FIFA representatives participated in the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport, held in Monaco on 3 and 4 November 2026. The gathering brought together ministers, state secretaries and representatives from across the international sports community to discuss safer and healthier sport for all children. The event was honoured by the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. Leading the FIFA delegation, FIFA Senior International Relations & Public Affairs Manager Annaliza Tsakona highlighted the importance of adopting a coordinated approach to safeguarding children in sport. She emphasised that sports organisations, national authorities and international and regional partners all have a role to play, alongside communities, schools, families and children themselves. Marie-Laure Lemineur, FIFA Head of Safeguarding & Child Protection, contributed to a panel discussion opened by Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. Lemineur outlined FIFA’s commitment to its duty of care towards members of the football family and the development of its safeguarding framework.

FIFA’s safeguarding journey began in 2018, with initial support from the Council of Europe. Building on more than seven years of work, the FIFA Council approved the FIFA Safeguarding Policy in March. The document consolidates existing safeguarding processes and standards, including reporting mechanisms that allow members of the public and people within the football ecosystem to raise concerns, either anonymously or by identifying themselves. Lemineur underscored the importance of collaboration beyond football to drive systemic change and create safer sports environments. Through its programmes and tournaments, FIFA works with a range of partners, including government ministries, educational institutions, local non-profit organisations and national and international sports federations. Alongside these partnerships, FIFA continues to prioritise safeguarding education and prevention. Recognising that leadership commitment is essential to embedding a strong safeguarding culture, FIFA works to build awareness, capacity and expertise across all 211 of its Member Associations. The conference provided an important platform for dialogue and international cooperation, reinforcing the shared responsibility of the sports community and its partners to protect the safety and well-being of children.