FIFA and the World Leagues Forum, the body representing the professional football leagues at worldwide level, have signed a cooperation agreement to work together on the development of professional football.

The agreement was signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and World Leagues Forum Chairman Christian Seifert (also the CEO of the Bundesliga) at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. This is the first time that world football’s governing body and the professional football leagues have entered into such an agreement, which will see FIFA and the World Leagues Forum join forces to provide knowledge and expertise to improve professionalisation worldwide.

The agreement details the many aspects of the “development programme for professional football” that will be jointly developed by the two organisations. This programme will notably include training sessions and bespoke support for national football bodies to share best practices and improve standards and structures in professional football. In particular, FIFA and the World Leagues Forum will organise joint conferences and seminars to support emerging football countries.

President Infantino said: “I am delighted to have signed this cooperation agreement, which aims to promote and develop the professionalisation of football across the globe. I would like to thank the World Leagues Forum and its Chairman Christian Seifert for their constructive and collaborative engagement and I believe this agreement will play an important role in the long-term growth of professional football in many regions.”

World Leagues Forum Chairman Seifert stated: “The World Leagues Forum is particularly glad to formalise this agreement with world football’s governing body. It is one of the missions of the World Leagues Forum to foster cooperation between professional leagues and help them to develop. We are delighted that, for the first time ever, leagues and FIFA will join forces to achieve this goal.”