The FIFA Council, meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on 2 October 2025, confirmed a series of landmark decisions aimed at shaping the future of global football while also sending a powerful call for peace.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino opened the session by stressing football’s unique role in promoting unity amid growing global conflicts, particularly mentioning the situation in Gaza.

> “FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values,” Infantino affirmed.

The meeting brought together key football figures, including European Club Association (ECA) Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and Swiss Football Association President Peter Knäbel, who joined as observers.

Key Decisions from the FIFA Council:

Peace and Unity Through Football ️ – FIFA reiterated its commitment to using the game as a tool for global solidarity.

Defending Football’s Pyramid ⚖️ – Concerns over legal and public challenges to the sport’s governance were raised, with Infantino urging unity against attempts to destabilize the global football structure.

New Standing Committees (2025-2029) ⚖️ – Appointments were confirmed to bring greater representation, including more women and technical experts, into FIFA’s governance.

Major Hosting Announcements  – Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan will co-host the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027, while London will stage the final phase of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 (28 January – 1 February).

Women’s Football Calendar Update ⚽ – The CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 will run from 17 March to 3 April 2026.

ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi praised the success of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, describing it as proof of football’s global excitement and club engagement.

With these decisions, FIFA reinforced both its governance framework and its mission to keep football at the heart of global unity, growth, and opportunity.