FIFA Football Technology & Innovation Research Scheme

Research areas
Key dates

FIFA launched a contribution scheme for research at the International Sport Engineering Association (ISEA) online conference in June 2020 with the aim of supporting worthwhile projects that will contribute to a better understanding of football and provide publications of relevant football research in a special collection of peer-reviewed research within the Sport Engineering Journal – the Topical Collection on Football Research. 

In order to support the research community, FIFA is offering research contributions based on merit and relevance for projects that help the improvement of the game in the four key areas listed below. To this end, FIFA can offer contributions of USD 3,000, USD 6,000 or USD 9,000. The grants are subject to a research agreement and must lead to a journal submission for the topical collection on football research mentioned above.

Research areas

Projects must contribute to expanding knowledge in an area that leads to an improvement in one of the four defined areas of the game of football as well as current or new testing methods applied in the FIFA Quality Programme, application of new technology to an existing area, or simplification of existing processes and technologies for broader use. 

Research Areas
Projects must contribute to expanding knowledge in an area that leads to an improvement in one of the four defined areas of the game of football:
EPTS
Game Analysis Technologies
  • Player and ball tracking technology
  • Other technologies & data solutions
VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Referee Qin Liang checks the VAR screen during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between England and Cameroon at Stade du Hainaut on June 23, 2019 in Valenciennes, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Refereeing Technologies 
  • Virtual Offside Lines
  • Video Assistant Refereeing technology
  • Goal Line Technology
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 19: The Conext 21 Pro Football is seen on the stage prior to the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 Draw on January 19, 2021 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Valeriano Di Domenico - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Football Equipment 
  • Footballs
  • Goals 
  • Wearable technology
Football turf
Playing Surfaces
  • Artificial, natural and hybrid surfaces
  • Futsal surfaces

Key dates

August 31st 2020

Expression of interest to Quality@FIFA.org with subject “FIFA Research Scheme”

  • 500 word max including pertinent research question

  • Description of problem or knowledge gap

  • Description of methodology and analysis concept

  • Targeted FIFA Research contribution

Submissions after this date will not be considered at this stage.

September 14th 2020

FIFA will request proposals from shortlisted projects based on expressions of interest

October 12th 2020

Upon receipt of FIFA’s shortlisting confirmation: submission of proposals including:

  • Introduction

  • Literature review

  • Key research question(s)

  • Methodology

  • Timeline

  • Targeted FIFA Research contribution amount

October 30th 2020

Selection of research projects at FIFA’s discretion with decision on possible contribution (USD 3'000, USD 6'000 or USD 9'000).

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