The International Football Association 7 (IFA7) operates with full legal protection and recognition of its brand and independence under a formal coexistence agreement with FIFA — ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of Football 7 worldwide.
FIFA–IFA7 Coexistence Agreement
In December 2018, the International Football Association 7 (IFA7) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) signed a formal Coexistence Agreement, establishing the legal framework that governs the independent and global operation of IFA7.
This agreement was executed by FIFA’s Head of Intellectual Property and Interim Director of Operational Legal, together with IFA7’s President & CEO, Daniel Balcorta, and is governed by Swiss law under the jurisdiction of the Swiss Chambers’ Arbitration Institution.
What the Agreement Means
The Coexistence Agreement formally acknowledges and allows:
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The global use of the IFA7 .
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FIFA’s recognition of IFA7’s independent rights to operate worldwide in the organization of Football 7 (Soccer 7) competitions and related events.
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A worldwide scope, ensuring both organizations may coexist legally and professionally under international law.
Why It Matters
The FIFA–IFA7 Coexistence Agreement represents a historic milestone for the sport of Football 7 and for all members and partners of the International Football Association (IFA7).
This agreement establishes IFA7 as the only global Football 7 organization operating under a formal coexistence framework with FIFA, providing a foundation of international legal recognition and stability.
Through this agreement:
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IFA7’s IP, name, brand, and competitions are legally protected worldwide, ensuring confidence and legitimacy for all affiliated members, sponsors, and partners.
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FIFA formally acknowledges IFA7’s independent operation, granting the organization the freedom to develop and promote Football 7 (Soccer 7) across all continents.
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Governance, transparency, and credibility are reinforced by the agreement’s global legal validity, governed under Swiss law and the Swiss Chambers’ Arbitration Institution.
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National associations, clubs, and athletes benefit from belonging to a structure that operates under a formally recognized and internationally protected legal framework.
This unique status strengthens IFA7’s mission to expand Football 7 globally, uniting communities and providing new opportunities for growth under a solid and officially recognized foundation.
Supporting Documentation
- Coexistence Agreement between FIFA and IFA7, signed December 7–19, 2018
- Official Notarized Communication (December 1, 2020 – Calgary, Canada) reaffirming the Agreement and IFA7’s international legal standing – Comunicacion-FIFA-IFA7
These documents reaffirm IFA7’s international standing and compliance with the global legal framework established under the coexistence agreement.
Note: The FIFA–IFA7 Coexistence Agreement was signed in December 2018 and is governed by Swiss law. Due to confidentiality provisions, the full document is not publicly disclosed. The information provided herein summarizes the general nature and purpose of the agreement.
