Infantino: At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to convey peace and solidarity

October 3rd October FIFA Council held a meeting at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich and made important decisions on a number of issues. President Infantino conveyed the concept of peace and solidarity.

Swiss Football Association Chairman Kneber, European Club Association (ECA) Chairman Nasser, and Chiomento, Chairman of the Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee, also attended the meeting as observers and spoke.

In view of global tensions and geopolitical conflicts, FIFA President Infantino emphasized the importance of promoting peace and solidarity in his opening speech, especially in the current situation in Gaza.

Infantino said: "At FIFA, we are committed to harnessing the power of football to unite people in a divided world. Our minds are with those suffering in conflicts around the world, and the most important message that football can convey now is peace and solidarity."

"FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote the development of football by leveraging the solidarity, education, culture and humanitarian values ​​of football."

Regarding professional football stakeholder relations, the FIFA Council is aware of the open attacks, legal challenges and the ongoing lack of transparency, governance and stability in certain organizations. These organizations are motivated beyond the pyramid model that supports football at the global, continental and national levels of clubs and national teams.

The FIFA Council recognizes this threat to the existing global football pyramid structure and reiterates the need to remain strong and solidarity in the face of these attacks: "FIFA will continue to invite all stakeholders interested in having meaningful dialogue to protect players, find a balance between club and national team football worldwide, and improve future football."

After full consultation with FIFA Members Association and Football Associations of the various continents, the list of members of the newly formed Standing Committee has been determined, with a term of office from 2025 to 2029. The appointment list will be announced on the official website, and next, the candidates nominated by stakeholders will be submitted to the FIFA Council for approval.

"The new standing committee will allow our Member Association, the FC and other stakeholders to participate more deeply in the decision-making process, increase female representation and provide more focused technical expertise in various areas related to football, in other words, FIFA will better respond to the future." The successful FIFA Club World Cup 2025 was also summarized at the meeting, with ECA President Nasser reiterating the global success of the tournament and its exciting aspects for the club's future development.

FIFA Council designated Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to jointly host the 2027 FIFA U20 World Cup, and announced that London, England will host the final stage of the 2026 FIFA Women's Champions League, with four matches set to be held from January 28 to February 1 next year.

In addition, next year's African Women's National Cup is scheduled to be held from March 17 to April 3, 2026, and the date has been added to the Women's International Competition Calendar.