DOHA: FIFA has renewed its partnership with the Qatar Stars League (QSL) and the Qatar Football Association (QFA) as part of its efforts to strengthen domestic football development and raise professional standards in club football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with QSL and QFA President Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, extending a cooperation agreement first concluded in 2022. The partnership focuses on improving professional club management and administration across first- and second-division clubs in Qatar.
“I was delighted to sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar Stars League and the Qatar Football Association, further strengthening a strategic partnership that continues to raise professional standards in club football,” Infantino said in a statement. He also thanked Qatari organisers for hosting several major FIFA events this year, including the FIFA Arab Cup, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
Infantino said the collaboration would expand education programmes, knowledge exchange initiatives and support for player well-being, aimed at helping clubs and players compete in a more sustainable global football environment.
Al Buainain said the extension of the agreement reflected the strong cooperation between FIFA, the QSL and the QFA. He added that the partnership would support football development on both technical and administrative levels, while promoting the values of the sport.
The next phase of the agreement will focus on educational programmes, including tailored support for club managers and agents, as well as mental health and well-being initiatives for players.
The signing took place on Qatar National Day at Lusail Stadium ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup final. Qatar has played a prominent role in global football in recent years, hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and multiple international tournaments, and is set to stage future editions of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. (FIFA)
