CIES Sports Management Programme

FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management – Zimbabwe

The FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management is a globally recognised diploma designed to equip current and aspiring sports leaders with the skills required to manage modern sport professionally and ethically. Delivered in Zimbabwe through a strategic partnership between Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), Midlands State University (MSU), FIFA, and the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES), the programme represents a major step forward in strengthening football and sport governance in the country .

The programme offers a 360-degree curriculum covering six core areas essential to sports administration: sports management, marketing and sponsorship, finance, law, communication, and event management. Participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insight through case studies, group projects, and engagement with local and international industry experts, ensuring learning is directly applicable to real-world sports environments .

Enrolling in the programme is an important investment for anyone seeking to build or advance a career in football and sport administration. As the sports industry becomes increasingly complex, professional education is critical to improving governance, transparency, commercial sustainability, and overall organisational performance. Graduates join a respected global alumni network and gain skills that are relevant nationally, regionally, and internationally .

The partnership between ZIFA, MSU, FIFA and CIES ensures that the programme meets international standards while remaining responsive to the local and regional context. Through this collaboration, Zimbabwe becomes part of the FIFA/CIES International University Network, which spans over 20 universities worldwide and has produced more than 7,000 sports management professionals globally. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to capacity building, integrity, and the long-term professionalisation of football and sport in Zimbabwe .