Geneva, 13th of August, 2026
The Football Business Academy (The FBA) and the Federación Panameña de Fútbol (FPF) have announced a new educational partnership aimed at connecting football business education with the continued development of the game in Panama.
The collaboration brings together The FBA’s international approach to football business education and FPF’s role at the heart of a rapidly evolving football ecosystem, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, applied research, and the development of future football industry professionals.
Through the partnership, selected FBA Master Candidates will have the opportunity to gain first-hand industry experience with FPF through internships and Student Business Projects. These experiences will enable Candidates to apply their knowledge to real challenges and strategic priorities within the federation, while contributing fresh perspectives, international insight and new ideas to its ongoing development.
“This partnership places world-class football business education at the service of a federation in full transformation. For The FBA’s candidates, FPF offers a real environment in which to apply what they have learned; for FPF, it means access to emerging talent, international perspective and research directly connected to our strategic priorities. We are convinced that the projects developed under this agreement will leave a tangible mark on both institutions.”
Matthew de Roche, Director of Development, Federación Panameña de Fútbol
The partnership further strengthens The FBA’s presence across the Americas and reflects its educational model of bringing Candidates closer to the realities of the football industry. By working directly with clubs, leagues, federations, governing bodies and other football stakeholders, Candidates are exposed to different markets, organisational models and strategic challenges throughout their educational journey.
For FPF, the collaboration creates an additional channel through which to engage with emerging football business talent from around the world. Internships will provide Candidates with the opportunity to contribute within a professional federation environment, while Student Business Projects will offer a framework to research and address specific topics connected to FPF’s strategic priorities.
“Having lived in Panama many years ago I’ve observed the impressive transformation football has and continues to undergo in this passionate country. Partnering with FPF will enable the type of experiences and knowledge exchange that can elevate the Panamanian football ecosystem even further and I’m thrilled to welcome FPF into The FBA Family as we continue to expand our reach and impact across the world.”
Kristian Dobrev, Co-Founder and CEO, The Football Business Academy
At the core of the collaboration is a shared belief that education and industry should reinforce one another. By connecting an international pool of emerging football business professionals with the realities and ambitions of Panamanian football, both organisations aim to create a mutually beneficial platform for talent development, knowledge exchange and innovation.
The partnership represents another step in The FBA’s mission to accelerate the professionalisation of the football industry worldwide, while supporting FPF as it continues to develop and strengthen the football ecosystem in Panama.
ABOUT FEDERACIÓN PANAMEÑA DE FÚTBOL
The Federación Panameña de Fútbol (FPF) is the governing body of football in Panama, responsible for the development, organisation and promotion of the sport across the country.
Through its national teams, competitions and development initiatives, FPF plays a central role in the growth of Panamanian football at both national and international level, working to strengthen the structures and opportunities that support the game across the country.
Follow FPF on Linkedin, Instagram, and X.
ABOUT THE FBA
Founded in Switzerland in 2017, The Football Business Academy (The FBA) is a global leader in football business education. Through its flagship Professional Master in Football Business, executive education programs and industry partnerships, The FBA develops current and future football leaders by combining academic excellence with practical industry experience.
Today, The FBA collaborates with more than 100 organizations across the football ecosystem, reinforcing its mission to accelerate the professionalization of football worldwide.
Ready to build your own connections across the football industry?
Applications for the September 2026 intake of The FBA’s Professional Master in Football Business are open until 15 August.
