FIFA launches new safeguarding initiative - FIFA Guardians

To optimise for archiving, the original image and related documents associated with this article have been removed.

World governing body of football, FIFA, have launched a new global programme dedicated to enhancing child safeguarding standards within the sport.

The new initiative named, FIFA Guardians, will provide practical guidance to each of the 211 member organisations in reviewing their existing safeguarding measures through a series of training modules and workshops.

The FIFA Guardians toolkit will be based on five principles and five steps that are underpinned by recognised international standards.  Such measures will become a requirement to receive member association funding from FIFA .

The initiative comes following a number of historical child abuse cases in sport that have come to public knowledge, including the British football sexual abuse scandal in 2016, the Larry Nasar, former USA Gymnastics national team doctor case, and most recently the sexual allegations towards the Afghanistan Football Federation from the Women’s national team.

FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, said: “FIFA’s vision is to promote the game of football, protect its integrity and bring the game to all. In realising this vision, we aim to ensure that involvement in football, in any form, is a positive experience for all children.” The programme is also expected to develop for the protection of vulnerable adults.

Please click here to view the FIFA's statement. 

You may also like

View All

The Football Association v Lucas Paquetá

A decision in the case of The Football Association against Lucas Paquetá has been issued by the Independent Regulatory Commission

Read More

Minimum salaries introduced in WSL and WSL2, along with other vital wellbeing support

After an extensive consultation with the Professional Footballers’ Association, Women’s Super League and Women’s Super League 2 footballers will be given a minimum salary level. A mandatory performance wellbeing role within all clubs will also be introduced

Read More

UN shares updated anti-corruption plan for 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has shared its new anti-corruption plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games which will protect both events from match-fixing within the U.S. The plan has been influenced by G20’s High-Level Principles

Read More