How to become a member of FIFA

FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is the governing body of international football. Membership in FIFA grants national associations the opportunity to participate in official FIFA tournaments and have a voice in the decision-making processes of the footballing world. If you aspire to become a of FIFA, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Establish a National Football Association:
To become a member of FIFA, a national association must be established in your country. This involves creating a legal entity, registering with the appropriate government authorities, and demonstrating your commitment to promoting and organizing football within your nation.

2. Register with Your Continental Confederation:
Once your national association is established, you need to seek affiliation with your continental confederation. FIFA consists of six continental confederations, including AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North and Central America, and the Caribbean), CONMEBOL (South America), OFC (Oceania) and UEFA (Europe). Each confederation has its own set of requirements for membership. Check their websites for specific details and procedures.

3. Meet FIFA’s Membership Criteria:
After becoming affiliated with your continental confederation, you must satisfy FIFA’s membership criteria. These criteria outline various administrative, technical, and financial requirements that a national association must meet. For example, FIFA requires associations to have an active national league, define player eligibility rules, and ensure the presence of a code of ethics.

4. Submit an Application:
Once you have met all the necessary criteria, you can submit an application for FIFA membership. Contact your continental confederation for detailed instructions on the application process, including the required documentation and any associated fees.

5. Undergo FIFA’s Evaluation Process:
Upon receiving your application, FIFA will conduct a thorough evaluation of your national association. This evaluation may involve on-site visits, interviews, and reviews of your association’s legal and administrative structures. FIFA aims to ensure that all member associations align with the principles and objectives of the organization.

6. Await FIFA’s Decision:
Following the evaluation process, FIFA’s Executive Committee will make a decision regarding your application for membership. The committee will consider various factors, such as your association’s commitment to the game, its ability to govern football within your country, and its adherence to FIFA’s statutes and regulations.

7. Benefits of FIFA Membership:
Becoming a member of FIFA opens a world of opportunities for your national association. You gain the ability to participate in official FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and continental tournaments. FIFA also provides financial assistance to its member associations, facilitating their development of football infrastructure and youth programs.

8. Ongoing Obligations:
Once accepted as a member of FIFA, your national association must continue to meet ongoing obligations. This includes complying with FIFA’s statutes, participating in tournaments and championships, adhering to ethical codes, and continuously working towards the improvement of football within your country.

In summary, becoming a member of FIFA requires establishing a national association, obtaining affiliation with your continental confederation, meeting FIFA’s membership criteria, and undergoing a thorough evaluation process. While the journey to FIFA membership may be demanding, the benefits and opportunities it brings to your national association are well worth the effort.