FIFA Council

Founded in 1904, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association, or the International Federation of Association Football) is the premier organization which governs football activity on the world stage, with over 200 member associations representing nations and territories. It is the hosting organization for numerous competitions in both men’s and women’s football, including the prestigious World Cup, which is held every four years and watched by millions of people around the world.

FIFA is governed by the FIFA Congress, a legislative body made up of a representative from every FIFA member association that meets annually to deliberate on structural changes to the organization, voting on World Cup bids, and electing officials, including the FIFA President. Between their regular sessions, the organization is directed by the FIFA Council, formerly the FIFA Executive Committee. While they normally do not possess legislative powers, for the purposes of this committee (and because we can’t have a committee of 211 members at LoboMUN) they shall possess the same policymaking competency as the Congress.

Currently they are in the process of setting up the 2030 Men’s World Cup and all its contingencies: the country or group of countries which will host the games, making sure there are spacious and secure stadiums, and how many teams will participate, all while dealing with the notorious corruption prominent with FIFA’s top leadership. They must negotiate to receive corporate sponsorships, as well as making sure the rule of law will be followed in order to ensure safety for players and spectators.

The organization of football events is, in addition to resulting in a fun spectator sport, is extremely political in nature and has far-reaching effects in the international community when it comes to law and the logistical and economic needs of member countries, being designed to diversify the types of locations utilized for the tournaments. The issues of corruption and competition between nations for the prestige and economic benefits that come with hosting tournaments are at the forefront of this committee’s discussion, serving as compelling topics for students to consider. It will, as well, be an excellent tool for growing students’ skills in resolution writing, public speaking, collaboration and diplomacy in a less traditional way than in other committees.