FIFA described the mini-pitches as “safe, durable spaces for communities that lack access to sport,” with the first two fields paired with a dedicated training program for children. The initiative aims to provide structured opportunities for play, inclusion, and personal development, especially for young people in underserved areas.
The FIFA Arena project is part of a global effort to expand football access. Eight additional mini-pitches are planned for installation across Israel and the Palestinian territories, joining a network of 30 mini-fields opened in 15 countries since March.
“FIFA expresses its deep gratitude to the Swiss government for this important contribution and looks forward to continuing this shared effort to restore, rebuild and bring hope — one pitch at a time,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. Infantino, who attended a summit on Gaza’s future in Sharm El Sheikh last month, reiterated FIFA’s commitment to rebuilding football facilities across Gaza and Palestine.
Alongside infrastructure initiatives, FIFA is also investigating two formal complaints lodged by the Palestinian Soccer Federation against the Israeli Soccer Federation. In October last year, FIFA’s disciplinary body was asked to examine claims of discrimination, including whether teams from Israeli settlements in the West Bank playing in national competitions violate FIFA statutes. No timeline has been set for these investigations.
FIFA’s next congress, which brings together all 211 member associations, is scheduled for April 30 in Vancouver, Canada, where updates on global football governance and development projects are expected to be discussed.
The Swiss-FIFA partnership underscores a growing effort to use football as a tool for community building, social inclusion, and youth development in conflict-affected regions.