FIFA, in collaboration with the Nobel Peace Center, introduced the “Handshake for Peace” initiative during its 2012 Congress in Budapest. The aim is to promote friendship, respect, and peace through football. This campaign was officially launched during the 2013 Club World Cup in Morocco and is set to continue during the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.
In a letter addressed to the federations of the 32 teams qualified for the World Cup, FIFA President Sepp Blatter emphasized the importance of this initiative. He highlighted the role of football in promoting fraternity between nations and reiterated the significance of the “Handshake for Peace” as a symbol of respect and camaraderie.
According to the initiative, players will be expected to greet opposing players and match officials at the end of each match before leaving the field. Coaches will also exchange greetings after the match and express gratitude to the referee. These gestures are intended to demonstrate that even in high-stakes matches, respect and sportsmanship prevail.
