FIFA reveals plans for Gaza Strip’s ‘football ecosystem’ in AI-generated video
President Gianni Infantino used an AI-generated video to announce the World Football Organization’s investment in Gaza reconstruction at a peace committee event.
The US-led peace commission has welcomed a new partner as the country prepares to step into the spotlight of international soccer.
FIFA signed a partnership agreement with the Council on February 19, which aims to “actively source investment from international leaders and institutions that leverage the power of football to support the recovery, stability and long-term development of conflict-affected regions.”
The agreement comes not only as the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but also after the organization awarded President Trump the first Peace Prize in December.
What is a peace committee?
The White House said in a statement that “the peace commission will play a critical role in achieving all 20 goals of the President’s plan” to end the war in Gaza. The Council will assist by “providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza moves from conflict to peace and development.”
The board is chaired by Trump and includes appointed members including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, businessman Mark Rowan, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, and U.S. National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel.
The Council also announced a number of founding member countries, including Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Albania, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, El Salvador, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Controversially, the Peace Committee announced on February 12 that it would add Israel as a founding member of the group. Israel is in direct conflict with Palestine. Palestine is also not listed as a founding member of the Council.
A United Nations commission concluded in a September report that Israel committed genocide in Gaza, and the commission said senior Israeli officials such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were directly responsible for inciting these acts. Israel objected to the commission’s findings, calling them scandalous.
What does FIFA plan to do with the Peace Committee?
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement: “FIFA wants as many people around the world as possible to take part in our game and benefit from the opportunities it creates. Football brings people together and contributes to a more prosperous, educated, equal and peaceful world. Together with the support of the Peace Commission, FIFA will advance this partnership built to make an impact at every step.”
The organization has developed a multi-phase plan, starting with a “Comprehensive Reconstruction Program for Gaza” and ending with the construction of a new 20,000-seat national stadium.
Phase I will begin with the construction of 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches near schools and residential areas, in conjunction with the Football for Schools program, which provides equipment and activities to children through FIFA. The group says this phenomenon occurs within the first three to six months.
According to FIFA, the second phase, starting in 12 months, will include “the development of five full-sized pitches to enable the establishment of organized local clubs and the strengthening of structured football pathways”.
Over the course of 18 to 36 months from the start of the partnership, FIFA plans to create a “centre of excellence that integrates elite sport, education and accommodation.” This includes “talent identification, career pathways and skilled employment opportunities”.
The final stage will conclude with a national stadium that will be able to “generate commercial income” and at the same time strengthen “national identity.”
“Implementation will proceed with continued monitoring of the safety and security situation,” FIFA said. “When conditions permit, the commencement of Phase I will begin, supported by structured stakeholder engagement and milestone-based progress reporting.”
Eileen Wright is an Atlanta Connect reporter for USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. X Find her at @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
