"As the game's worldwide governing body, we have a responsibility to support any move to improve football equipment," says FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. "In raising the actual standard of footballs and artificial football surfaces, the FIFA Quality Concept will also help improve the level of the game."

In a bid to create recognised standards, ensure global consistency and increase product quality for footballs and artificial surfaces around the world, FIFA Marketing & TV has developed and implemented a global quality certification programme, called the FIFA Quality Concept.

FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf
The FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf is a rigorous testing programme for artificial football surfaces whereby manufacturers will be able to enter into a license agreement for the use of the prestigious FIFA RECOMMENDED Marks . Licensees enjoy extensive trademark protection of the FIFA marks and benefit from comprehensive marketing services.

The net revenues generated are transferred to the FIFA Goal programme, which funds social projects as well as financially disadvantaged associations, allowing them to build association headquarters, lay grass or football turf pitches, establish technical training centres, or provide other such basic amenities.

There are currently 19 Licensees within the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf.

FIFA Quality Concept for Footballs
The FIFA Quality Concept for Footballs is a test programme for Outdoor, Futsal and Beach Soccer footballs. Manufacturers have the possibility to enter into a licensing agreement for the use of the prestigious 'FIFA APPROVED' and 'FIFA INSPECTED' Quality Marks on footballs which have passed a rigorous testing procedure. As an alternative there is the possibility to use the wording 'IMS International Matchball Standard'. Footballs bearing this designation have passed the same quality requirements as 'FIFA INSPECTED' footballs. The use of this designation is however not subject to a licence fee and any association with FIFA is prohibited

Since January 1, 1996, only those outdoor footballs which have been tested and meet the demanding quality criteria -bearing either of the three official markings- are allowed to be used in FIFA competition matches and competition matches under the auspices of the six continental Confederations. As of January 1, 2000, the quality testing and certification has also become compulsory for Futsal balls used for international matches under the auspices of FIFA and the Confederations and the same applies for Beach Soccer balls since May 2006.

In line with FIFA's commitment to social responsibility, all Licensees are requested by contract to ensure that no child labour is used in any stage of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, they have to pledge their support of any initiative to end child labour in the football industry. Footballs bearing the FIFA Quality Marks are helping children worldwide. The net revenues of the project are made available through the FIFA Football for Hope initiative to various children's projects, such as SOS Children's Villages or UNICEF.