FIFA has opened its new Legal and Compliance Division office based in Miami, FL, expanding its global footprint ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26 in North America and Mexico.
The organization previously housed the division at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. The trans-Atlantic move will facilitate preparations for the World Cup with 48 teams and three co-hosts—the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“I am grateful to the FIFA team because they have embraced our new philosophy at FIFA to be truly global,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in his address to assembled staff. “But to be global, one must be local and, in that respect, FIFA needs to be present everywhere in the world, and by being here in Miami, this is another example of that.
“FIFA is proud to be in Miami, and we expect that through the contribution of the Legal and Compliance team, we will make a positive impact on the development of football,” continued Infantino.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström added, “We are proud to have taken the bold step to move the Legal & Compliance Division to our new hub here in Miami. The office is already staffed with a wonderful, diverse and international team, which reflects this great city and the values of FIFA. Today is a proud moment—a great day for FIFA—and a move that is sure to be a successful one for our organization.”
The Legal and Compliance Division’s work includes revising FIFA Statutes, reforming its transfer system, FIFA Clearing House and FIFA’s judicial bodies, among other things. It also plays a central role in the daily collaboration between FIFA and its 211 MAs, guiding educational projects and the National Dispute Resolution Chambers, among other responsibilities. Other specialist areas it covers include match-fixing or competition manipulation, digital and technology and regulatory compliance.
Images courtesy FIFA
