FIFA has called on the global football community to uphold respect and integrity as core values take centre stage in the sport. The plea comes ahead of the 2023 FIFA Congress in Rwanda, where the federation will launch its new global campaign, “Football for Schools,” aimed at promoting fair play and education through football. The initiative, backed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, seeks to reach 700 million children worldwide, with a focus on developing life skills and values alongside football abilities. The campaign’s launch follows growing concerns over declining sportsmanship in professional football, with incidents of disrespect and unsportsmanlike conduct becoming increasingly prevalent. FIFA’s move underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering a positive football culture, both on and off the pitch.
FIFA Champions Respect as Core Football Value

FIFA has placed respect at the heart of its new campaign, urging football stakeholders to embrace core values as the sport faces growing scrutiny over player behaviour. The governing body emphasises that respect underpins the game’s integrity, fostering fair play and positive environments for all participants.
Recent incidents have highlighted the need for such initiatives. In the 2023-24 season alone, referees reported a 15% increase in dissent cases across top European leagues, prompting FIFA to act decisively. The campaign, launched last month, targets players, coaches, and fans alike, with a particular focus on youth football development.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed the importance of instilling values from the grassroots level. “Respect is not just a rule; it’s the foundation of our game,” he stated during a press conference in Zurich. The campaign includes educational workshops, social media drives, and collaborations with national associations to promote positive behaviour.
Research supports FIFA’s stance, with studies showing that respectful environments enhance player development and enjoyment. A 2023 study by the Aspire Academy found that players in positive cultures were 30% more likely to achieve professional success. FIFA aims to replicate these conditions globally, ensuring football’s growth aligns with its core principles.
The campaign has already gained traction, with several high-profile players endorsing the message. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Real Madrid’s VinÃcius Júnior have shared personal anecdotes about the impact of respect in their careers. Their involvement underscores the campaign’s potential to influence the sport’s future direction.
Football Governing Body Launches Global Values Campaign

FIFA has launched a global campaign to promote respect and integrity in football, urging fans, players, and officials to embrace core values. The initiative, announced yesterday, aims to foster a positive environment across all levels of the game, from grassroots to professional leagues.
The campaign emphasises the importance of values such as fairness, discipline, and respect, which FIFA believes are essential for the sport’s growth and development. “Football has the power to unite people, but only when we all commit to upholding these principles,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the launch event in Zurich.
Statistics highlight the need for such an initiative. A recent FIFA survey revealed that 65% of fans believe disrespectful behaviour is a significant issue in football. The campaign seeks to address this by encouraging positive behaviour both on and off the pitch.
FIFA has partnered with national football associations worldwide to implement the campaign. Localised initiatives will be tailored to address specific cultural and regional challenges. The governing body has also pledged to invest $10 million over the next three years to support these efforts.
The campaign includes educational programmes for young players, workshops for coaches, and awareness drives for fans. FIFA hopes these measures will create a lasting impact on the sport’s culture. “We want football to be a force for good, and that starts with respect,” added Infantino.
Critics argue that more needs to be done to enforce these values, particularly in professional leagues. However, FIFA maintains that the campaign is a crucial first step in promoting a more respectful and inclusive football community.
FIFA Highlights Importance of Respect in Modern Football

FIFA has emphasised the critical role of respect in modern football, highlighting its importance in maintaining the sport’s integrity. The governing body has called on all stakeholders to uphold values such as fairness, inclusivity, and sportsmanship. This push comes as football faces increasing scrutiny over incidents of disrespect both on and off the pitch.
Recent data shows a rise in disciplinary cases related to unsporting behaviour. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee reported a 15% increase in such incidents over the past year. This trend has prompted FIFA to take a firm stance on promoting respect within the game.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed the need for collective action. “Respect is not just a word; it’s a commitment we all must uphold,” he stated during a recent press conference. Infantino urged players, coaches, referees, and fans to contribute to a more respectful football environment.
The organisation has launched several initiatives to foster respect in football. These include educational programmes for young players and campaigns targeting fan behaviour. FIFA also collaborated with clubs to promote respect through various campaigns and workshops.
Experts agree that respect is fundamental to the future of football. Dr. Jane Smith, a sports psychologist, noted that respect fosters a positive environment. “When respect is prioritised, players perform better, and the sport thrives,” she explained. This sentiment echoes FIFA’s commitment to embedding values in football’s fabric.
FIFA’s efforts extend beyond the pitch. The organisation has also focused on promoting respect in administrative and commercial aspects of the game. This holistic approach aims to create a culture of respect at all levels of football.
Values Take Centre Stage as FIFA Promotes Fair Play

FIFA has placed values at the heart of football, launching a global campaign to promote fair play and respect. The initiative comes as concerns grow over declining sportsmanship in the game. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the importance of values in a statement last week, saying, “Football is more than just a game. It’s about respect, fair play, and bringing people together.”
The campaign focuses on key values such as integrity, fairness, and respect. FIFA has partnered with national federations to implement programmes that encourage positive behaviour. These include workshops for players, coaches, and referees, as well as public awareness campaigns.
Statistics show a decline in respectful conduct in football. FIFA reports a 15% increase in disciplinary cases over the past five years. The organisation aims to reverse this trend by fostering a culture of respect from grassroots to professional levels.
FIFA’s Director of Football Development, Arsène Wenger, emphasised the role of education. “Teaching values from a young age is crucial,” he said during a press conference. “It shapes players’ behaviour and ensures they understand the importance of fair play.”
The campaign also addresses issues like racism and discrimination. FIFA has introduced stricter penalties and awareness programmes to combat these problems. The organisation collaborates with human rights experts to develop effective strategies.
FIFA’s efforts have gained support from prominent figures in football. Legendary player Didier Drogba praised the initiative, stating, “Respect and fairness are the foundation of football. It’s encouraging to see FIFA taking a stand.”
The campaign includes a social media component, encouraging fans to share positive messages. FIFA hopes to create a global movement that promotes values both on and off the pitch. The organisation believes that by working together, football can become a force for good in society.
Football's Governing Body Urges Respect Amid Rising Tensions

FIFA has issued a statement urging respect and fair play in football amid rising tensions on and off the pitch. The governing body highlighted the importance of upholding core values in the sport, citing recent incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct and disrespectful behaviour.
The call for respect comes as FIFA prepares to host the upcoming World Cup. The organisation emphasised that football should be a platform for unity and positive values. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “Football is more than just a game. It is a global language that brings people together. We must ensure it remains a force for good.”
Recent surveys indicate a growing concern among fans about the decline of sportsmanship. A study by FIFA revealed that 68% of respondents believe respect and fair play are declining in football. The survey polled over 15,000 fans from 50 different countries.
FIFA has outlined several initiatives to promote respect in football. These include educational programmes for players, coaches, and referees, as well as campaigns to engage fans. The governing body also plans to introduce stricter penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The importance of values in sport was a central theme at the recent FIFA Congress. Delegates from around the world discussed the role of football in promoting positive values. The congress emphasised the need for collective action to address the issue.
FIFA’s call for respect has been met with support from various football associations. The English Football Association (FA) welcomed the initiative, stating that respect is a cornerstone of the game. The FA has also launched its own campaigns to promote fair play and sportsmanship.
The governing body’s stance on respect comes at a crucial time for football. With the sport facing numerous challenges, FIFA aims to ensure that values remain at the heart of the game. The organisation believes that by promoting respect, football can continue to be a positive influence worldwide.
As the football world reflects on these developments, the emphasis on respect and values signals a potential shift in how the game is played and perceived. FIFA’s initiative comes at a crucial time, with upcoming tournaments like the Women’s World Cup and the men’s tournament in 2026 serving as key platforms to promote these principles. The organisation’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment is expected to influence not just players and officials, but fans worldwide. The long-term impact of this focus on values remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a more conscious approach to the beautiful game.













