FIFA EXPANDS FOOTBALL EDUCATION WITH NEW EXECUTIVE PROGRAMMES FOR CLUBS AND PLAYERS

FIFA has announced new editions of two educational programmes designed to strengthen leadership and management skills among football executives, professional players and coaches.

The global football governing body said the fourth edition of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management and the second edition of the FIFA Players Executive Programme will begin in November 2026 and run until April 2028.

The programmes are designed to prepare participants for leadership responsibilities within and beyond the football pitch. They will combine online learning with physical sessions and visits to football clubs, giving participants opportunities to gain practical knowledge of how professional clubs operate.

The FIFA Diploma in Club Management is targeted at club executives, as well as former international players and coaches who are currently involved in management roles. Its six modules cover areas including leadership and management, governance and legal matters, finance, marketing and communication, club operations and stadium management, as well as sporting strategy and youth academies.

The Players Executive Programme, meanwhile, is aimed at active and retired professional players and coaches preparing to transition into executive and leadership positions. The programme focuses on football management, physical and mental wellbeing, financial planning, personal branding and communication, and philanthropy.

FIFA said the initiatives are intended to help participants develop practical skills while providing opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences with football professionals from different parts of the world.

Participants who complete the programmes will also become part of FIFA's growing professional network. According to FIFA, previous editions have brought together professionals from 57 nationalities and 155 clubs across all six confederations.

The programmes have already attracted several former high-profile players, including Fabio Cannavaro, Tim Cahill, Fernandinho, Juan Mata, Giorgio Chiellini and Eric Abidal, who have completed the Club Management Diploma. Other former players such as Lucas Leiva, Guillermo Ochoa, Alexandre Pato and Onome Ebi have also featured among graduates of the Players Executive Programme.

FIFA said the initiative reflects its commitment to developing capable administrators and ensuring that players can continue contributing to football after their playing careers.

The latest programmes are therefore expected to contribute to the professionalisation of football management by equipping current and former players, coaches and club officials with the knowledge required to take on greater responsibilities within the sport.