FIFA opens 4th Technical Leadership Diploma and celebrates Brazil edition

Building on the success of previous editions, the 4th Edition introduces a comprehensive, multilingual approach designed to broaden participation among diverse linguistic groups, particularly the Francophone community. This strategic enhancement aims to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among technical leaders worldwide, empowering them to drive meaningful development within their respective regions.

FIFA remains dedicated to providing all Technical Leaders (TLs) with full access to a robust leadership pathway that combines onsite and online learning modalities. This integrated support system underscores FIFA’s responsibility to nurture the professionals behind the sport’s growth, thereby maximizing the impact of their efforts on the global game.

Jamie Houchen, FIFA’s Head of Technical Leadership, emphasized the programme’s vision: “Our goal is to cultivate a vibrant community of qualified football leaders equipped with the skills to shape the future of the sport. By expanding our language offerings, Spanish and now with the inclusion of French in the upcoming edition, we are opening new opportunities for diverse talent to participate and thrive.”

In parallel, FIFA celebrated the successful launch of the third edition of the Technical Leadership Diploma, held in Rio de Janeiro from March 10-15, 2025. This six-day workshop marked a notable milestone in FIFA’s commitment to developing top-tier football leaders. The event gathered 26 participants from Member Associations, Confederations, and FIFA, all working towards the Level 6 qualification — a credential recognized globally for technical leadership within football.

The launch was distinguished by notable football icons such as Cafu, Pretinha, Edmilson Gomes, and Duda, who offered valuable insights into Brazil’s unique football development landscape. FIFA’s Director of Global Football Development, Steven Martens, highlighted the diploma’s pivotal role in empowering technical leaders to elevate football management and foster sustainable growth at all levels of the sport.

The Technical Leadership Diploma places a strong emphasis on cultural understanding, strategic vision, and organizational skills. The curriculum encompasses five core domains: Leadership, High Performance, Coach Education, Amateur Football, and Management. Participants engaged in personalized projects tailored to their specific contexts, with ongoing learning opportunities through online modules and face-to-face sessions scheduled in different key locations around the globe.

As FIFA advances into the 4th edition of this esteemed programme which will take place in France, Mexico, Japan and Switzerland, the organisation remains committed to cultivating innovative, culturally aware, and strategic technical leaders worldwide. The expansion into multiple languages signifies a strategic step toward fostering a truly global network of football development professionals dedicated to advancing the sport’s future.

FIFA’s continuous investment in leadership development aims to elevate governance standards, inspire innovation, and promote sustainable growth across the football ecosystem. The upcoming editions of the Technical Leadership Diploma exemplify FIFA’s dedication to shaping the next generation of football leaders who will drive the sport forward on the global stage.