L to R: FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents a pennant to European Glub Association chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi/Image: Supplied
The FIFA Council convened at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on 2 October 2025, adopting a series of decisions covering football governance, competitions, and stakeholder relations. Attendees included Swiss Football Association president Peter Knäbel, European Club Association (ECA) chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, and Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee chairman Bruno Chiomento, who joined as observers and addressed the meeting.
Football as a force for peace
In his opening remarks, FIFA president Gianni Infantino highlighted the role of football in fostering peace amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts, particularly the situation in Gaza.
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world. Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity,” said Infantino, noting FIFA’s ongoing dialogue with confederation presidents.
“FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
Protecting football’s pyramid model
The Council also addressed challenges facing professional football, including public attacks, legal disputes, and governance concerns linked to organisations operating outside the established pyramid model that underpins global club and national team football. Members stressed that such actions threaten the stability of the sport.
“FIFA will continue to invite all stakeholders interested in a meaningful dialogue to protect players, to find the right balance between club and national team football at global level, and to improve football for the future,” Infantino said.
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Appointment of Standing Committees
Following consultations with Member Associations and confederations, FIFA announced the appointment of members to its newly established Standing Committees for the 2025–2029 cycle. The list of members will be published on FIFA.com, with stakeholder candidates to be submitted to the Council for approval.
“The new Standing Committees will lead to the greater involvement of our Member Associations, the confederations and other stakeholders in our decision-making processes, increased female representation and more focused technical expertise in various areas relevant to football,” said the FIFA President. “In other words, FIFA will be better equipped to face the future.”
Updates on competitions
The Council received a debrief on the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi described as a global success that generated strong enthusiasm from clubs for the future of the competition.
Additional updates included:
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FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan appointed as joint hosts.
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FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026: London, England confirmed as host of the final phase (four matches scheduled between 28 January and 1 February 2026).
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CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Dates confirmed for 17 March to 3 April 2026, now included in the Women’s International Match Calendar.
