FIFA Ends Best Awards, Launches New Partnership with Dubai Sports Council

Summary – FIFA has discontinued its Best Awards, replacing them with a new awards ceremony in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council starting December 2026.,

Article –

FIFA has announced the discontinuation of its Best Awards ceremony, which was inaugurated in 2017 as a distinct alternative to the Ballon d’Or. Beginning December 2026, the awards will be rebranded and hosted in Dubai through a new partnership with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).

The Change in Partnership

This shift comes after FIFA and the DSC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the World Sports Summit in Dubai in late 2025. The collaboration is expected to merge FIFA’s global football prestige with Dubai’s rising status as a major sports hub, providing new opportunities for recognising football excellence on a broader international scale.

Key Facts

• The FIFA Best Awards began in 2017 after separating from the Ballon d’Or awards.
• The MoU with the Dubai Sports Council was signed during the 2025 World Sports Summit.
• The newly branded ceremony will commence in December 2026 in Dubai.

Reactions from Leadership

The FIFA President expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the global expansion and new horizons for football recognition. Similarly, the Dubai Sports Council Chairman emphasized the collaboration’s role in positioning Dubai as a central hub for international sports and football excellence.

Implications and Future Outlook

The conclusion of the standalone FIFA Best Awards marks the end of a seven-year independent history, signaling possible changes in award categories and event presentation. While details remain to be announced, the partnership intensifies competition with the iconic Ballon d’Or. Football players, coaches, and fans are watching eagerly to see how this will affect the awards’ prestige and overall visibility.

Next Steps

1. FIFA and the Dubai Sports Council will disclose more information about the new awards format and nomination process in the coming months.
2. Preparations for the December 2026 event in Dubai are underway, aiming to establish the awards’ new identity.
3. The football community will monitor how this strategic move affects global football accolades and FIFA’s role in sport governance.

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Bhavya

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