The Football Association of Ireland has been selected as one of 26 participants on edition three of FIFA’s prestigious Technical Leadership Diploma held in Brazil between 10-15 March.

O’Regan joined other selected Technical Leaders from Member Associations, Confederations and FIFA in Rio de Janeiro for the first block of the unique level 6 qualification. 

“I am delighted to be part of this prestigious FIFA course. The first in-person contact in Brazil was a phenomenal cultural and football experience, surrounded by learners from all over world football,” said O’Regan. 

“I’m very much looking forward to working with and learning from these global leaders and bringing the learning back to help develop Irish football.”

Steven Martens, FIFA Director of Global Football Development, said: “We are delighted to welcome Niall onto the third edition of our Technical Leadership Diploma.

“The launch of the third edition of the Diploma is further evidence of FIFA’s commitment to sustained investment and education of Technical Leaders,” said Steven Martens, FIFA Director of Global Football Development.

“We believe the Technical Leadership Diploma will help each participant optimise the management of football in their own country – both on and off the pitch. The development of exceptional Technical Leaders will also help us in the delivery of our long-term strategic aims to give every talent a chance and grow the game at every level.” 

‘Globally recognised qualification’ for Technical Leaders
The FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma is the first qualification of its kind and aims to become the ‘globally recognised qualification’ for Technical Leaders working in the game. 

“Currently, there is no single award or accreditation that allows an individual to become a Technical Leader in a Member Association,” explains Jamie Houchen, FIFA Head of Technical Leadership. “If a Member Association is looking to hire a Technical Leader, there is no benchmark for quality. 

“We believe the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma will become the globally recognised qualification for Technical Leaders and produce the very highest quality of graduates to lead football around the world.” 

Following the six-day workshop in Brazil, the 26 participants will begin their own personal project focused on their own unique context as well as following a programme of online learning. The cohort will meet again for six days later in the year with two further face-to-face events to follow in 2026.   

The FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma aims to become the ‘globally recognised qualification’ for Technical Leaders working in the game and will prepare participants for the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by a Technical Leader within a Member Association. Five core domain areas will be covered:
-     Leadership
-     High Performance 
-     Coach Education 
-     Amateur Football 
-     Management 

For more information about the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma visit the FIFA Training Centre: www.fifatrainingcentre.com