Doha [Qatar], May 12: Aligning with the strategic vision of Qatar Stars League (QSL) and as part of its continued co-operation with FIFA, Club Management Programme was officially launched in February 2026 through a series of foundational online workshops, introducing participants to the core pillars of modern football management, including strategic planning, commercial and revenue generation, governance structures, and player-related frameworks.
Throughout 2026, the programme continues through a structured series of online sessions delivered by FIFA experts and leading international specialists from across the football industry. These sessions address critical topics such as: Strategic planning and long-term club positioning; Financial sustainability and revenue diversification; Digital transformation and fan engagement strategies; Data-driven decision-making in football operations; Governance, leadership and organizational development.
Implemented under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FIFA and QSL, the programme is designed to elevate governance standards, strengthen institutional capabilities and drive long-term sustainability across the football ecosystem. A key distinguishing feature of the programme is the joint participation of both club leadership and QSL management, ensuring alignment between club-level strategies and league-wide development objectives.
A major milestone within the programme was the onsite session held in Madrid, Spain from 18 to 23 April 2026, which served as an immersive learning experience within one of the world's leading football environments.
The QSL delegation to Madrid was led by Dr. Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Director of Competitions and Football Development. These sessions established a unified strategic direction and equipped participants with the tools to approach club management from a holistic and data-driven perspective.
It was carefully designed to combine academic insight with real-world exposure. The academic component included sessions delivered by industry leaders from top entities such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, FIFA, La Liga and global partners.
The first edition of FIFA-QSL Club Management Programme will conclude in December, 2026, in Doha with a final onsite session, during which participants will present their club's strategic plans before an academic and professional panel. It will serve as a platform to demonstrate the tangible outcomes achieved by participating clubs and league stakeholders.
Source: Qatar Tribune
