Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Football Association (JFA) and Japan Professional Football League (J. League) concluded a partnership agreement today, 17 September in Tokyo. This strong cooperation will enable each body to strengthen practical approaches to developing countries through various football exchanges.

JFA President DAINI Kuniya addressed the importance of this agreement.

“We believe that the cooperation with JICA would help to raise the level of football and overcome challenges faced by the developing countries which will lead to the peacebuilding. In recent years, we are conducting various kinds of football exchange programmes with Asian countries, including the personnel exchange such as sending coaches or referee instructors. The coach education system of JFA is recognised as one of the most advanced ones in Asia, therefore, we are receiving requests for dispatching coaches from more football associations in Asia. It is our hope that JICA programme will enhance opportunities for such needs.”

JICA, JFA and J-league will cooperate with each other in the following areas through this agreement;

1. International cooperation through football in developing countries
- Support for human resources development in football, for players, coaches, referees and administrators through dispatching Japanese coaches in developing countries and accepting study tours from those countries
- Technical assistance/advice for the JICA football volunteers before assignment
- Cooperation related to the Tokyo Olympics/Paralympics 2020 Games
2. Collaboration between J. League clubs and domestic institutions of JICA
3. Assistance for operating international football tournaments in developing countries