Professional Football Department

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Professional football department

The Professional Football Department (PFD) was established in January 2016 as part of the modernisation of FIFA’s approach to increase the level of engagement between FIFA and professional football stakeholders. The department’s main objectives are to manage FIFA’s various channels of communication with key professional football stakeholders, to establish a base of professional football data and knowledge, and – in conjunction with the confederations – to expand club licensing in each region.

In addition, the PFD performs research analysis on professional football matters, promotes the professionalization of club football through many professional football projects for FIFA. The PFD is complemented by the newly created Football Stakeholders Committee. The PFD will be well placed to act as a vehicle for breaking down barriers and providing tools for engagement within the football community.

Football Stakeholders

Club America players celebrate with the CONCACAF Champions League trophy
In an effort to include the concerns of fans, players and actors across the globe who love football, FIFA is committed to cooperation and greater dialogue with the professional game on world football matters. The Football Stakeholders Committee connects the European Club Association, the European Professional Football Leagues Association, FIFPro, World Leagues Forum and other relevant actors with Member Associations, Confederations and FIFA.

Professional Football Programmes

Alexis Henriquez (R) of Atletico Nacional celebrates with team mates after victory over Club America

FIFA provides services and programmes to ensure the effective professionalisation of clubs, which includes Club Licensing, the establishment of National Dispute Resolution Chambers (NDRCs) and other programmes. FIFA is working in partnership with the six confederations through the FIFA Club Licensing Programme to establish standards for club football development and governance. FIFA is also creating a long-term strategy to increase the number of NDRCs as well as other programmes to support clubs' and leagues' professionalisation at domestic level.

Research Analysis

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid with the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy

The club licensing system provides many benefits, one of which is that it enables FIFA to act as a central, global benchmarking hub. This gives FIFA the means to provide the confederations with a wealth of empirical data and makes comparative analysis on club licensing issues possible.

The collection and analysis of data for the production of reports and research analysis generates valuable information for the global football family, enhances transparency and accountability, and is an example of FIFA’s commitment to continually improve its structures and operations. FIFA’s Global Club Football Report is a significant first step in this direction and will not only focus on club licensing issues, but on professional football matters in general.

Official Documents