News

On November 5th, The Qatar-based FIFA Master Alumni community came together in Doha for a special dinner reception to celebrate the official launch of the #Football4MentalHealth initiative, organised in close collaboration with the United Nations Youth Office (UNYO). The event gathered alumni, UN representatives, and leading figures from the football industry for an evening of dialogue, engagement, and shared purpose.

The partnership between the FIFA Master Alumni Association (FMA) and UNYO was first announced during the 2025 FMA Congress at FIFA Headquarters in Zurich this past September. At that time, alumni were informed that the #Football4MentalHealth initiative would be formally launched in Qatar in November — a commitment proudly fulfilled during this gathering.

All alumni based in the region were invited to attend, further strengthening the spirit of community within the global FIFA Master network.

The reception welcomed a distinguished group of guests, including:

• Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs

• Australian football legend, Tim Cahill

• Qatar Stars League Executive Director

• Qatar Football Association General Secretary

• ICSS CEO

• Representatives from the United Nations, World Health Organization, Generation Amazing, Aspire Academy, and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, among others
  
  

Their participation highlighted the significance of the initiative and underscored the broad commitment to promoting mental health and well-being through football.

A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to the alumni in Qatar who were instrumental in making the event a success: Mead Al Emadi, Nisrein Al Qaisi, Rhali Amrani, and Abdulaziz Al Sulaiti, as well as Nick Lau and Yair Rangel for their valuable support.

The FMA community extends its deepest appreciation to Bayt AlWaldah restaurant, which generously offered the dinner and provided exceptional hospitality, contributing greatly to the warmth and success of the evening.

The Qatar launch marks an important milestone in advancing the #Football4MentalHealth initiative, and reflects the collective dedication of the FIFA Master Alumni community to fostering positive change in sport and society.