RFEF Moves Forward With Inclusive Football Cup

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is preparing to launch its first Inclusive Football Cup, with the inaugural edition provisionally scheduled for September 2026 at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas.

The project was presented this week to the RFEF Board of Directors, chaired by Rafael Louzán, who reviewed the draft regulations for the new competition. The tournament is designed to promote inclusive football at grassroots level and is aligned with Spain’s national sports legislation, with the long-term aim of embedding inclusive football structures across the country.

The initiative, introduced by board member Conxita Esteve, would see Spain’s regional federations take part with representative teams, following a format similar to the Copa del Rey. The RFEF hopes the competition will serve as a catalyst for the further development of inclusive football through the territorial federations, building on work already under way at regional level.

The tournament is expected to coincide with the start of the 2026/27 season and would be staged at the federation’s headquarters, the Ciudad del Fútbol, subject to final approval.

During the same meeting, the Board also received updates on upcoming fixtures for Spain’s men’s and women’s national teams during the remaining international windows of the current season. Planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was also discussed, with confirmation that the men’s national team will play two international friendlies prior to the tournament, including one match in a host country.

Elsewhere, the Board approved regulatory measures linked to the refurbishment of the interior of the pavilion at the Ciudad del Fútbol. The renovation project will be funded through the FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

Financial matters were also addressed, with directors informed of increased funding for regional federations in 2026. The updated allocations will see more than €40 million distributed by the RFEF to its territorial federations.

The meeting concluded with a review of preparations for several upcoming events, including the “Finalissima” between Spain and Argentina, scheduled to take place in Qatar, and the Coaching and Education Congress, which will be held in Zaragoza in March.

_{Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Germán Latasa, Pexels / Paulina Rapacz}