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FIFA and the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) have announced a new partnership that will see the launch of an annual world football awards event in Dubai, starting in 2026.
The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, confirmed that the event will become the only official annual FIFA awards ceremony, bringing together leading figures from across the global game. The awards will recognise the best players, teams and achievements in football over the preceding year, both on and off the pitch.
“We are delighted to join forces with Dubai, a city that lives and breathes football, as we develop this world-class event,” Infantino said. “These world football awards will not just be an award ceremony, but an innovative way to celebrate football and honour the official top performers of the year both on and off the pitch.”
Sheikh Mansoor highlighted the strength of the existing relationship between FIFA and Dubai, noting the city’s growing influence in global football. “The Dubai Sports Council enjoys a strong partnership with FIFA, which has resulted in numerous initiatives announced by Gianni Infantino from Dubai in recent times, impacting the global football landscape,” he said.
“We are pleased to announce this new agreement, which underscores the continued cooperation between us and reflects Dubai’s prominent position on the global football map. It also highlights Dubai’s role in developing the game worldwide and shaping a brighter future for the world’s biggest and most popular sport through launching pioneering initiatives, honouring outstanding individuals and hosting major events.”
He added that Dubai remains committed to supporting the development of global sport, particularly football, and has the infrastructure and expertise to play a leading role in that mission, ensuring a strong Emirati impact on the international sporting stage.
The inaugural awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in 2026, with further details on award categories, nomination processes, voting systems and event dates to be announced in due course.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Jay Pics
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