FIFA/CIES International Programme
About FIFA/CIES
The FIFA/CIES International Programme (external link) is an internationally renowned certificate offered through 22 partner universities worldwide. At The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), the TMU–FIFA-CIES International Programme is a legacy education initiative connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026, designed for mid- to senior-level professionals in the sport sector.
The program equips participants with both theoretical and practical tools to lead sport organizations, federations, associations, clubs, and community programs. Participants are introduced to the core principles and methods of modern football (soccer) and sport management, while also gaining access to opportunities such as scholarships, research initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
Duration | Delivery
January 12, 2027 - December 9, 2027
Part-time, 150-200 hours of course work
Hybrid (in-person and online classes)
Sessions cover all sports and provide training in key areas of FIFA and football (soccer) globally
Price
CAD $7,500.00
Questions?
Contact tmu.fifa.cies@torontomu.ca
Topics Covered
This six-module program will cover the following topics. View in more detail what the TMU-FIFA-CIES modules will entail.
- The structure of a sports organisation
- Strategic planning
- Motivation theories
- The individual decision-making processes
- The group and the group decision
- The team and teamwork
- Human resources
- Leadership
- Conflicts
- Negotiation
- Organisational changes
- Introduction to Sports Marketing and Sports Industry
- The Essentials of Marketing
- Understanding the Consumers: Segmentation, Market Research, Consumer Behaviour
- Fan Relationship Model
- Digital & Social Media for Sports Properties
- Maximizing the Revenue Model
- Sponsorship in Practice
- Servicing Sponsorship (Activations, Ambush Marketing and Brand Protection)
- Sporting Goods Industry
- New and Emerging Sport Products (Gaming, Betting, eSports, Women’s Sports
- Importance of communication
- From corporate world to sports – applying and adapting communication principles
- Sports organisations and individuals
- Communication areas
- Organisations and staffing of communication structure
- Communication strategy – approach and implementation
- Issues Management
- Crisis communication management
- Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (From T-Accounts to Financial Statements)
- Accounting Systems (Transactional Systems and ERP of Sports Organisations)
- Sports Organizations Financial Statements
- Analysis and interpretation of financial statements
- Budgeting (Long-Term and Short-Term Planning)
- Corporate finance (Capital and Working Capital Management, Forms of Funding)
- Project Evaluation
- Sports Organizations Revenue Management
- Legacy / strategy
- Bidding process
- Sustainability and sports events
- Project Management & Scheduling
- Organizing Committee & HR / Volunteer Management
- Venue Planning
- Stakeholder Management
- Contingency / Emergency Planning
- Competition Management
- Venue Management & Operations
- Marketing & Media Operations
- Support Functions & Services
- Crisis Management (from an operational perspective)
- Post-Event Debriefing & Evaluation (KPI’s)
- Knowledge Management & Transfer
- Implementation of Legacy Plan
- International and national sport: structures and organisations
- The legal status of the Athletes
- Contracts in the field of sport
- Dispute and litigation resolution in sport
- Threats to the Integrity of Sports (Doping, Match-Fixing, Illegal Betting)
- Responsibility of the Sports Manager (Compliance, Civil and Criminal Liability)
- Legal Aspects of Event Organisation and Management
- Regulation and legal protection of trademarks
View the TMU-FIFA-CIES Schedule
| Component | Dates | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
Candidate Interviews (in person) |
Week of August 31, 2026 (September 1, 2 & 3, 2026) |
15-20 minutes per interview |
Candidate Interviews (virtual) |
Week of September 8-11, 2026 |
15-20 minutes per interview |
Opening Ceremony |
January 12, 2027 |
— Afternoon/Evening Time TBD |
Module |
January 13–16, 2027 |
Wednesday-Saturday (6.5 to 7 hrs/day) 10:00am to 5:00pm *Saturday 9:00am to 3:30pm |
| Module |
February 10, 12, 24, 26; March 3, 5, 2027 |
Wednesday & Friday (6.5 to 7 hrs/day) Wednesday 2:00pm to 9:00pm Friday 10:00am to 4:30pm |
Module |
April 14–17, 2027 |
Wednesday-Saturday* (7 hrs/day) |
| Module | May 26, 28; June 2, 4, 9, 11, 2027 |
Wednesday & Friday (7 hrs/day) |
Module |
July 21–24, 2027 |
Wednesday-Saturday* (7 hrs/day) |
Module |
September 22 - 25, 2027 |
Wednesday-Saturday* (7 hrs/day) |
Final Assignment |
October - November 2027 |
Independent |
Final Presentations |
December 8, 2027 |
— Time TBD |
Closing Ceremony |
December 9, 2027 |
— Time TBD |
Interested in learning more?
Leadership Team
(external link)
Associate Director, External Relations & International Engagement
The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University
(external link)
Manager, Operations & Projects
The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University
Hear from Past Participants
If you're interested in hearing from past participants on the FIFA-CIES programme, please view the videos below.
Ready to Apply?
Questions?
For more information, please contact tmu.fifa.cies@torontomu.ca