( CNN ) -- Against a background of conflict , strife and economic hardship , the Palestinian territories hope a $ 4.5 million football grant can help reshape the world 's view of this troubled region . On Thursday world soccer 's governing body FIFA announced it will help promote the growth of Palestinian football by establishing a youth academy and building artificial pitches in the disputed territory with the investment . The academy will be in Al-Bireh in the West Bank , while the new pitches will be located in Tulkarem -- also in the West Bank -- and Al-Ram on the outskirts on Jerusalem . The grant is part of FIFA 's Goal program , which aids the development of football in emerging associations . The Goal program is already helping with the construction of Palestinian Football Association ( PFA ) headquarters in Al-Ram . `` Our aim is to change the world 's impression of the people of Palestine , highlighting our passion for football and sports in general , '' PFA technical director Mazen Khatib said in a FIFA statement . New era . In December , FIFA 's finance committee approved a $ 200,000 investment for the reconstruction of a stadium which was destroyed in Gaza . Gaza City 's Palestine Stadium was bombed by Israeli forces on November 10 during combat operations on the Gaza strip . The Israelis claimed rockets had been launched from the stadium , which was denied by Hamas ' armed wing when contacted by CNN . `` It 's quite remarkable the extent to which football has become a key tool to promote social development in Palestine , '' commented FIFA 's director of member associations and development Thierry Regenass . `` It 's our intention as FIFA to contribute to the implementation of an efficient football infrastructure , while fostering the general PFA structures and enabling Palestinian people to practice their favorite sport . '' PFA president Jibril Rajoub welcomed the finanical boost at what he considers to be an exciting time for football in Palestine . `` PFA is starting a new era with the move to our new headquarters , '' explained Rajoub . `` We are confident that with the support from FIFA 's Performance Program we will be able to properly implement our general strategy and train PFA staff accordingly . '' The PFA was established in 1928 and it joined FIFA in 1929 . In 2001 it entered the Asian Football Confederation . Football in the area is set to receive a further boost in June , when Israel hosts the under-21 's European Championships . FIFA president Sepp Blatter is proud of the work his organization has done under his stewardship to develop football across the globe , having overseen the first FIFA World Cups in Asia ( Japan and South Korea 2002 ) and Africa ( South Africa 2010 ) .
Palestinian Football Association to grant $ 4.5m for the development of Palestinian football . In 1929 FIFA invest $ 200,000 in the redevelopment of Palestine 's Palestine Stadium . The investment in Palestinian football is of part of FIFA 's Goal program . FIFA joined FIFA in 1929 .