The upcoming editions of the programmes will once more bring together football executives, players and coaches from across the global game
Lasting 18 months, the initiatives combine virtual learning, in-person sessions and club visits, offering behind-the-scenes experiences
Graduates join a growing global network, with current alumni spanning 57 nationalities and 155 clubs from all six confederations
FIFA is pleased to announce the fourth edition of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management, alongside the FIFA Players Executive Programme for its second edition, both of which are set to kick off in November 2026 and run until April 2028.
Designed to strengthen leadership and management capabilities across the football ecosystem, the two programmes will bring together a new group of football executives, active and retired professional players and coaches. Besides coming away with practical knowledge and fresh perspectives, participants will benefit from a platform to hone the skills required to succeed beyond the pitch.
“The FIFA Diploma in Club Management and the FIFA Players Executive Programme reflect our commitment to supporting the key stakeholders of the game”, says Ornella Desirée Bellia, FIFA’s Director of Professional Football Relations and Development. “Through knowledge-sharing, practical learning and a truly global network, we aim to equip club executives, players and coaches with the tools to continue driving the professionalisation and growth of the game.”
The FIFA Diploma in Club Management is aimed at club executives, as well as former international players and coaches currently working in a managerial position at a club. Through six modules – covering leadership and management; governance and legal matters; finance; marketing and communication; club operations and stadium management; and sporting strategy and youth academies – participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the key areas involved in running a successful football club.
Graduates and their clubs also become part of the FIFA Club Management Network, creating opportunities for the continued exchange of ideas, knowledge and best practices across the global football community.
The FIFA Players Executive Programme is specifically designed for active and retired professional players and coaches preparing for leadership and executive roles. The insights provided in five core areas – football management; physical and mental well-being; financial planning; personal branding and communication; and philanthropy – support participants as they seek to seamlessly make the transition from the pitch to the boardroom.
“The development of football requires a collective approach, and for that we need strong and committed clubs, led by capable administrators with the right experience and ambition”, says Gelson Fernandes, FIFA’s Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer. “Players are at the heart of the game, and we must do everything in our power to keep as many of them as possible involved in football beyond their playing careers. The game needs their experience, their knowledge and their perspective.”
Both programmes combine online learning with optional in-person sessions, including lectures, club visits and behind-the-scenes experiences at clubs around the world. Previous editions have delivered on-site learning opportunities across all six confederations, giving participants first-hand exposure to a range of club management models and football environments.
The programmes have already established a truly global alumni community. To date, participants spanning 57 nationalities and drawn from 155 clubs across 55 countries have featured, with all six confederations represented.
Graduates of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management include club executives such as Arafat Haji (Vice President, Young Africans SC), Jessica Y. Ng (Vice President, Kitchee SC) or Daan Bovenberg (CEO, Excelsior Rotterdam), and former players like Fabio Cannavaro, Tim Cahill, Fernandinho, Javier Pastore, Esteban Cambiasso, Juan Mata, Karina LeBlanc, Giorgio Chiellini and Eric Abidal. Siphiwe Tshabalala, Lucas Leiva, Guillermo Ochoa, Martina Rosucci, Bafétimbi Gomis, Jéssica Silva, Alexandre Pato, Marc Klok and Onome Ebi are amongst the graduates of the inaugural edition of the FIFA Players Executive Programme alumni.
The programmes underline FIFA’s commitment to developing football’s leadership talent, both within clubs and among the players and coaches who will shape the game’s future off the pitch.