FIFA Football Technology & Innovation research scheme
FIFA launched a contribution scheme for research at the International Sport Engineering Association (ISEA) online conference in June 2020 with the aim of supporting worthwhile projects that will contribute to a better understanding of football and provide publications of relevant football research in a special collection of peer-reviewed research within the Sport Engineering Journal – the Topical Collection on Football Research.

In order to support the research community, FIFA is offering research contributions based on merit and relevance for projects that help the improvement of the game in the four key areas listed below. To this end, FIFA can offer contributions of USD 3,000, USD 6,000 or USD 9,000. The grants are subject to a research agreement and must lead to a journal submission for the topical collection on football research mentioned above.
Research areas
Projects must contribute to expanding knowledge in an area that leads to an improvement in one of the four defined areas of the game of football as well as current or new testing methods applied in the FIFA Quality Programme, application of new technology to an existing area, or simplification of existing processes and technologies for broader use.
Game Analysis Technologies
- Player and ball tracking technology
- Other technologies & data solutions
Refereeing Technologies
- Virtual Offside Lines
- Video Assistant Refereeing technology
- Goal Line Technology
Football Equipment
- Footballs
- Goals
- Wearable technology
Playing Surfaces
- Artificial, natural and hybrid surfaces
- Futsal surfaces
Key dates
Date |
Milestone |
August 31st 2020 |
Expression of interest to Quality@FIFA.org with subject · 500 word max including pertinent research question · Description of problem or knowledge gap · Description of methodology and analysis concept · Targeted FIFA Research contribution Submissions after this date will not be considered at this stage. |
September 14th 2020 |
FIFA will request proposals from shortlisted projects based on expressions of interest |
October 12th 2020 |
Upon receipt of FIFA’s shortlisting confirmation: submission of proposals including: · Introduction · Literature review · Key research question(s) · Methodology · Timeline · Targeted FIFA Research contribution amount |
October 30th 2020 |
Selection of research projects at FIFA’s discretion with decision on possible contribution |