December 11 – The game of football continues to evolve with different platforms of the sport becoming more prominent. The latest iteration of the ‘beautiful game’ that is gaining traction is 7-a-side football.
Founded in 2015 by Daniel Balcorta, the IFA 7 (International Football Association) recently announced an alignment with the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) as the official integrity partner.
Formalised in Dubai, IFA7 will join SIGA as a Member in the New Year and will implement SIGA’s Universal Standards on Good Governance in Sport and be SIGA certified through its independent rating system, otherwise known as SIRVS.
With the IFA7 Legends Cup taking place between 6 -9 February 2025 in the UAE, SIGA will mobilise, and expand its ambassadorial programme.
This tournament continues to grow from strength to strength and this edition will feature legends from FC Barcelona, Liverpool FC, Real Madrid and Manchester United. The theme of the tournament is dedicated to Sport Integrity, and champions the values of fair play, respect, and teamwork.
SIGA’s global CEO Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with IFA7, a dynamic and swiftly expanding sports events organisation. This collaboration marks a significant step for SIGA, as we will work together with IFA7 and football legends, in our role as Official Integrity Partner, to raise awareness of the critical importance of Sport Integrity.”
As the driving force behind the 7-a-side revolution, IFA7 has created the IFA7 World Championships which is held every four years.
“With the legacy the past FIFA World Cup left in the UAE it only makes sense to take advantage of such for the benefit of the people and bring the biggest international 7v7 sporting competition in the world which will not only include the IFA7 World Championship 2025 in all its divisions, but also the LEGENDS World Championship, which will host some of the most important players of each country, a delightful event to watch from start to the end,” said Balcorta.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734879866labto1734879866ofdlr1734879866owedi1734879866sni@o1734879866fni1734879866