IFAF to relocate global headquarters to Lausanne, strengthening ties with the Olympic Capital
In a landmark decision reinforcing its commitment to the global sports stage, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has voted to relocate its global headquarters to Lausanne, Switzerland, placing the organization at the heart of the Olympic Movement.
A strategic shift to the Olympic capital
The move was finalized during the XXVII IFAF Congress, held in Lausanne with support from the Lausanne Olympic Capital Foundation and Lausanne Tourism. Delegates from across IFAF’s 75 member federations approved the relocation as part of a broader series of governance reforms aimed at strengthening the federation’s structure and expanding global reach. By establishing its headquarters in Lausanne, IFAF joins nearly 60 other international sports federations in the Canton of Vaud, a region renowned as the epicenter of international sport.
Strengthening ties to the Olympic future
The relocation signals IFAF’s strategic ambitions as flag football prepares for its highly anticipated debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. IFAF President Pierre Trochet emphasized the significance of the move, stating, “This vote is a clear statement that IFAF—and our global American football family—believes its future belongs at the heart of the Olympic Movement.” The federation’s presence in Lausanne will facilitate deeper collaboration with the International Olympic Committee and other major sports bodies, enhancing the visibility and credibility of American football worldwide.
Local support and growing momentum
Local officials welcomed the decision enthusiastically. Ms. Émilie Moeschler, Municipal Councillor of Lausanne, highlighted the city’s pride in welcoming IFAF and noted the sport’s existing local roots through clubs like the Lausanne Owls and LUCAF. Ms. Christelle Luisier Brodard, State Councillor of the Canton of Vaud, pointed to the inclusion of flag football in LA28 as a turning point for the sport and praised Lausanne’s unique ecosystem as an ideal base for IFAF’s expansion.
Reforms for inclusion and growth
Beyond the headquarters move, the Congress approved significant reforms to promote gender equality within IFAF’s leadership and updated membership criteria to encourage broader participation. The removal of the requirement for full members to operate both tackle and flag football programs reflects the explosive growth of flag football—a more accessible and internationally scalable discipline—and is expected to drive membership growth in emerging markets.
This strategic relocation to Lausanne not only elevates IFAF’s global profile but also positions American football for sustained Olympic integration and worldwide development in the years ahead.
