It extends a partnership first launched in 2022 and focuses on raising professional standards in club management and administration across first- and second-division teams.
FIFA has renewed its partnership with the Qatar Stars League (QSL) and the Qatar Football Association (QFA) as part of its push to globalise the game and expand opportunities for clubs, leagues and players to compete at the highest level worldwide.
The deal was formalised with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, President of the QSL and QFA.
The signing ceremony took place on Qatar National Day, December 18, at Lusail Stadium, ahead of the final of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 between Jordan and Morocco.
Speaking at the event, Gianni Infantino said he was “delighted” to renew the MoU, describing it as a step that further strengthens a strategic partnership focused on improving professional club football. He praised Qatar’s role in hosting major FIFA events, including the FIFA Arab Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
“Through education programmes, knowledge exchange and enhanced support for player well-being, we are working together to help talented individuals and ambitious clubs thrive in a more competitive and sustainable global football ecosystem,” Infantino said.
Under the renewed agreement, FIFA will provide tailored support in areas including education and exchange programmes for club managers and agents, as well as mental health and overall well-being support systems for players.
The next phase of cooperation will focus on the Educational Programmes Project, with an emphasis on practical application alongside theory.
Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain said the renewed partnership reflects the strength of cooperation between FIFA, the QSL and the QFA. He added that it supports the strategic development of football at both technical and administrative levels.
“This partnership covers several areas, including the strategic development of football across its technical and administrative aspects, as well as leveraging the region’s passion for the game to promote peace and highlight the noble values of football worldwide,” he said.
Qatar has played a central role in the growth of football in the region, from the establishment of the QSL to hosting major tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup in 2011 and 2023, the FIFA World Cup 2022, and the expanded FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2025.
The country is also set to host the next four editions of the annual U-17 tournament.
