FIFA has announced new editions of two professional development programmes designed to strengthen leadership and management skills within the football industry.
The global football governing body will begin the fourth edition of its FIFA Diploma in Club Management and the second edition of the FIFA Players Executive Programme in November 2026. Both programmes are scheduled to run for 18 months, ending in April 2028.
The initiatives are aimed at football executives, active and retired professional players, and coaches seeking to develop the skills required for leadership positions both within and beyond the football pitch.
The FIFA Diploma in Club Management focuses on major areas involved in running a modern football club. Participants will receive training in leadership and management, governance and legal matters, finance, marketing and communications, club operations and stadium management, as well as sporting strategy and youth academies.
Meanwhile, the FIFA Players Executive Programme is designed specifically to help current and former players and coaches prepare for executive and leadership responsibilities. Its curriculum covers football management, physical and mental wellbeing, financial planning, personal branding and communication, and philanthropy.
Both programmes will combine online learning with in-person sessions, club visits, lectures and practical experiences. The format is intended to give participants an opportunity to learn from different football environments and gain a broader understanding of how clubs operate.
FIFA said graduates of the programmes will also join a growing international professional network. Previous participants have represented 57 nationalities and 155 clubs across all six football confederations.
Several prominent former footballers have already completed the programmes, including Fabio Cannavaro, Tim Cahill, Juan Mata, Giorgio Chiellini, Eric Abidal, Lucas Leiva, Guillermo Ochoa, Alexandre Pato and Nigeria women’s international Onome Ebi.
FIFA said the programmes form part of its broader effort to strengthen leadership within football and ensure that players, coaches and club administrators are equipped to contribute to the sport’s development beyond their playing careers.
