nonFIFA

NonFIFA is a term used in association football to describe national teams, football associations, and matches that are not affiliated with or recognized by FIFA, the sport's global governing body. While FIFA members compete in the FIFA World Cup and continental confederations, non-FIFA football comprises regions, minority communities, de facto states, and other entities seeking international competition outside the FIFA framework.

The modern non-FIFA landscape originated with the New Football Associations (NF-Board), founded in 2003 to organize international matches outside FIFA. In 2013, the NF-Board dissolved and CONIFA (Confederation of Independent Football Associations) succeeded as the principal umbrella organization for non-FIFA football, promoting representation for territories, stateless peoples, and peoples not recognized as sovereign states. CONIFA coordinates member associations, organizes tournaments such as the World Football Cup, and maintains rankings and schedules for its members. The scope also includes invitational matches and regional events, giving players a platform to compete internationally where FIFA membership is unavailable or politically contested.

Non-FIFA football often faces limited funding, media exposure, and travel constraints, but emphasizes cultural identity and community support. Eligibility rules and governance are distinct from FIFA's, though some players and officials transfer between contexts.