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FIFA is one of the most recognisable and well-known sports institutions. Many of us know its function as the organisation responsible for upholding the Laws of the Game and, in doing so, providing a common, simple language to support the unique, unifying power of football.
FIFA’s open and democratic structure gives the beautiful game the foundation it needs to grow and thrive. Founded in 1904 and based in Zurich, it has developed a commitment over the years to delivering development projects and activities, competitions and events. With 211 member associations, it is a truly global organisation with its influence very much felt throughout the world.
What is not so well-known is who the people are that keep this extraordinary institution ticking over. Who are the 'Faces of FIFA'? Where are they from? What do their roles entail? Why did they choose to work there? What exactly does it mean to work for international football's governing body?
Find out what Fabiana, Christian and Isabel do at FIFA:
Name: Fabiana Miggiano
Job title: Personal Assistant to the Chief HR & Services Officer
Age: 40
Nationality: Switzerland/Italy
Date joined FIFA: 2008
Why did you want to work for FIFA?
I come from the travel industry and have always been interested in different countries, languages and cultures. To work at FIFA was actually the dream of my older sister and so it was something that stuck with me when I was a kid. For me, FIFA is the perfect employer and the fact that I love football is the icing on the cake.
Which footballer (or person involved in football) would you like to meet and why?
Gigi Buffon, who for me is more than just a brilliant goalkeeper. He’s a true leader and team player for whom fair play and respect are really important – he’s a role model for young and old alike.
Who is your favourite football team of all time?
The Italian team of 2006, not just because they won the World Cup that year but also because I would sing my then two-year-old son to sleep with a lullaby that I adapted to include the names of all the players. It was quite a hit with my friends and acquaintances too!
Has your impression of FIFA changed since you’ve joined?
When you’re part of the team, you can sense that everyone is working with their heart and soul. Football brings people together at work too, not just on the pitch. I’ve been through the highs and lows with FIFA and I’m glad that the focus is now back on football.
Name: Christian Luna
Job title: FIFA Quality Programme Manager
Age: 32
Nationality: Mexico
Date joined FIFA: 2014
Why did you want to work for FIFA?
I love football and have played it since I was a kid. I always liked the way the sport and this organisation unite people regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender. I wanted to contribute to the continuous development of the beautiful game. For me, joining FIFA was like a dream.
Which footballer (or person involved in football) would you like to meet and why?
Hugo Sánchez, a number nine legend from my home country, because of his achievements and the way he played football. I admired the fact that he won five “Pichichis” [top goalscorer awards], one with Atlético Madrid and four in a row with Real Madrid. I also loved his spectacular “chilenas” [bicycle kicks] and acrobatic celebrations.
Has your impression of FIFA changed since you’ve joined?
Definitely. I realised how important all of the stakeholders are, not only the FIFA employees based in Zurich but also the Local Organising Committees of the tournaments, the representatives of all the member associations around the world, the service providers, etc., and at the same time, the organisation has been going through a restructuring process, increasing investment in football, innovating more to improve the game and improving the accountability of its daily operations.
Name: Isabel Falconer
Job title: Senior Group Leader, Dispute Resolution Affairs
Age: 34
Nationality: France
Date joined FIFA: 2008
What exactly do you do at FIFA?
My department handles the administration behind FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber and Players’ Status Committee. These are arbitration bodies that are competent to deal with international disputes between various stakeholders of the football community (players, clubs, coaches, associations). I am in charge of investigating these disputes.
Who is your favourite football team of all time?
The French national team that led France to victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. To witness my national team winning the World Cup in my own country was an extraordinary experience that I will never forget.
What has been the highlight of your time at FIFA to date?
Working as a Protocol Officer at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. I had the opportunity to see first-hand what the organisation of such a major sports tournament entails. I was blown away by how the FIFA team and the Local Organising Committee worked together to make this tournament a success.
Has your impression of FIFA changed since you’ve joined?
I have always had faith in FIFA. I work with passionate people who love the game. Nowadays, we have to cope with the public’s perception of our organisation, which we all know needs to improve. I try my best to explain what FIFA is doing to stay true to its core mission.
FIFA’s monthly magazine, FIFA 1904 , provides insight into working at FIFA. Each edition includes FIFA team member profiles under the titles ‘Faces of FIFA’ (short interviews with three team members) and ‘A day in the life of’ (a more complete look into a day with a selected team member).
Check out the latest edition of FIFA 1904 to learn more about working at FIFA!
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