The FIFA Council has emphasized football’s power to unite people and promote peace, while unveiling record-breaking budgets and new protections for women in the sport.

At an online meeting, FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for peace and urged all teams participating in upcoming FIFA World Cups to compete in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect.

“FIFA can’t solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using football and the World Cup to build bridges,” he said.

The Council approved FIFA’s Annual Report 2025, including a historic revenue budget of USD 14 billion for the 2027–2030 cycle. FIFA Forward investments in football development will reach USD 2.7 billion—eight times the pre-2016 level—supporting infrastructure, youth programs, and opportunities for men, women, and youth players globally.

In women’s football, FIFA confirmed the bidding process for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cup editions. Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, and the United States are bidding for 2031, while the UK nations are bidding for 2035. The 2031 tournament will expand to 48 teams, reflecting FIFA’s growing investment in women’s football.

The Council also introduced landmark measures requiring women’s teams to include female coaches, medical staff, and bench officials, while approving the FIFA Safeguarding Policy to protect against harassment and abuse. FIFA will continue dialogue between the Palestine and Israel Football Associations but took no action regarding Israeli teams allegedly based in Palestinian territories, citing unresolved legal status under international law.

New competitions, including the FIFA ASEAN Cup and updated schedules for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, were also confirmed.

Infantino concluded: “A successful World Cup fuels global investment in football, giving more children access to the game and reinforcing its unifying power.”

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is thought to have left Saudi Arabia amid rising security concerns following a drone strike on the United States Embassy Riyadh on Tuesday.

Saudi authorities confirmed that two drones struck the embassy compound in the capital, causing minor structural damage and a small fire.

Officials said there were no casualties, but security measures were immediately heightened across the city. The embassy issued safety advisories to U.S. citizens, urging caution and limiting movement near diplomatic facilities.

Flight tracking data indicated that Ronaldo’s private jet departed Riyadh shortly after the incident. While it has not been officially confirmed whether the Portuguese star and his family were on board, the timing of the departure has fueled speculation that the move was prompted by escalating regional tensions.

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr FC, has been based in Saudi Arabia since joining the Saudi Pro League. Neither the player nor his representatives have publicly commented on the reported departure.

The embassy attack comes amid broader instability in the region, with increased drone and missile activity targeting diplomatic and strategic sites.

Saudi security forces remain on high alert as authorities investigate the source of the strike and assess the wider implications for regional stability.