FIFA President Gianni Infantino, an unexpected participant among world leaders, announced a major commitment to rebuilding football infrastructure in Palestine following a high-level “Summit for Peace” held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
The summit, co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and United States President Donald J. Trump, convened world leaders to consolidate the recently brokered ceasefire and discuss long-term reconstruction plans for Gaza.
Infantino confirmed that football’s governing body would launch a dedicated fund and extensive programs to support the region, focusing on infrastructure damaged by conflict.
“In Gaza and in Palestine, we will help to rebuild all the football facilities,” Infantino stated, emphasizing that football’s core role in the region is “to support, to unite and to give hope.”
The FIFA President detailed plans for immediate and long-term assistance in conjunction with the Palestinian Football Association. This includes providing equipment, constructing pitches, supplying instructors, and launching competitions “in every corner of the country.”
Infantino also praised the efforts of the US President, whom he thanked for the invitation to the summit. He stated that he had made it clear to all world leaders that FIFA was ready to contribute to the diplomatic push.
“I made it clear to all world leaders that FIFA is here to help, to assist and to put ourselves at disposal for whatever we can do to make sure that this peace process comes to fruition and to the best possible end,” Infantino said.
The FIFA contribution includes utilizing the “FIFA Arena programme” for mini-pitches and inviting the broader global community to contribute to the new fund, stressing that “football brings hope to children — it’s very, very important.”
