With this new strategic operations centre, FIFA seeks to be closer to the federations of the Americas, understanding their challenges and collaborating on projects that benefit all

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FIFA opens new strategic operations centre in Miami for American football

FIFA continues to expand its influence in the world of football and, in a landmark move, has opened a new office in Miami, USA. This new space, which will house the organisation's Legal Department, headed by Spaniard Emilio García Silvero, reinforces FIFA's presence in the Americas and underlines its commitment to the development of football in the region.

The inauguration event was a parade of leading figures in world football, led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who shared a symbolic moment with García Silvero at the opening ceremony. Jair Bertoni, FIFA's Director of Member Federations for the Americas, also played a leading role, highlighting the importance of this new office in strengthening FIFA's relationship with the football federations of the Americas.

In his speech, Bertoni thanked the presidents of the federations present for their attendance and emphasised the fundamental role that this office will play in connecting directly with the federations in the region. ‘The inauguration of this new office represents a vital step in increasing our proximity and collaboration with member federations. It is fundamental to foster more fluid communication and strengthen our support to each one of them,’ Bertoni said, making it clear that this new office is not only a physical space, but a symbol of the new era that FIFA wants to promote in the continent.

This new office in Miami is not just an expansion of FIFA's facilities, but a key part of the organisation's global strategy to be closer to its members and to better understand their needs. ‘Our intention is to improve the way we support each federation, adapting our strategies to the visions and objectives of their presidents,’ said Bertoni, who underlined the importance of ensuring that every dollar invested translates into tangible benefits for football.

The physical proximity of the new office will allow for more targeted and personalised assistance to member federations, resulting in optimisation of resources and better management of funds from FIFA's Forward Programme. ‘We are committed to working closely with each federation to address their challenges, improve the use of funds and strategically plan the development of football in their respective countries,’ he added.

The opening of the Miami office also symbolises FIFA's commitment to the professionalisation of football at all levels, both on and off the field. According to Bertoni, the goal is to create an open and strategic space to share ideas and innovative solutions that will continue to drive the growth of the sport in the Americas. ‘We want to better understand the needs and objectives of each federation, promote professionalisation and ensure good governance. It is essential that we work together to shape a brighter future for football,’ he said with conviction.

This new office is just the beginning of a series of initiatives FIFA plans to implement to strengthen its presence in the Americas. With the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the opening of the Miami office comes at a crucial time, reaffirming the continent's importance in the global football landscape.

Furthermore, with this new strategic operations centre, FIFA seeks to be closer to the federations of the Americas, understanding their challenges and collaborating on projects that benefit all. Bertoni concluded his speech with an optimistic vision of the future: ‘This office is a symbol of our willingness to work together and our commitment to the growth of football in the Americas. We are here to support, to collaborate and to build a lasting legacy.

With this new phase, FIFA is demonstrating that it not only cares about elite football, but that it is also willing to invest in the grassroots and development of the sport in all regions of the world. And with the opening of this office in Miami, the organisation is making it clear that America is a priority.