FIFA is responsible for organising the men's and women's futsal tournaments at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Behind the on-pitch action, a dedicated team works to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from the teams' arrival to the final whistle and finally to their departure. Among them is FIFA Competition Coordinator Emma Paoletta, who helps oversee match operations and ensures that players, officials and volunteers are ready for each match.

What do you do?

I work in FIFA's competitions team, where my responsibilities vary depending on the tournament calendar. We are responsible for the competition regulations, prepare draw procedures and match schedules, and coordinate documents for approval by FIFA's standing committees. We also procure all materials that teams need at the competition venue. Close collaboration with other FIFA departments is always needed in order for us to prepare and deliver our tournaments.

It's a very diverse role. For example, for a draw, we are responsible for the technical part of the draw, preparing the draw procedures, draw balls and team information, and briefing the presenters and everyone else taking part on stage. A successful draw is a well-prepared one!

When creating match schedules, one of our priorities is to ensure that teams have sufficient rest between games.

Once we're at a tournament, the focus shifts to operations on site. We brief the teams and competition officials, check playing kits and help ensure that everything runs according to plan.

What does a typical day in your life at this tournament look like?

My alarm goes off at 05:00! After getting ready, I check whether any documents need updating or printing, grab a takeaway breakfast and head to Iba Mar Diop Complex, where we usually arrive before 06:00. We're often among the first people there – sometimes it's just us and the security guards!

We start by inspecting the pitch and checking the dressing rooms, making sure everything is ready for the teams. At 07:30, we have our daily venue meeting with colleagues from broadcasting, stadium entertainment and venue operations. It's important that everyone is aligned for the smooth running of match operations.

Before kick-off, we brief the volunteers who help with ball crew duties and keeping the playing surface clean. We also rehearse the pre-match ceremony, making sure everyone carrying the national flags knows exactly where to stand and when to move. Everything follows a countdown that's scheduled down to the second – and it's the responsibility of our competition officials to make sure we stick to it.

Once the first match kicks off, we're already preparing for the next one. We welcome the arriving teams, coordinate a final equipment check conducted by the referees, distribute the starting lists to the relevant stakeholders and make sure everything is ready for their pre-match warm-up.

After handing over to the next competition team, we help with match reports and ensure a smooth transition. Back at the hotel, we prepare everything for the following day. Then it's time for some sleep!

What are the challenges you’re facing?

The Youth Olympic Games are a little different from our usual FIFA tournaments. The International Olympic Committee oversees the wider event, while FIFA is responsible for organising the operations of the futsal tournaments. That means some operations are coordinated differently. One example here in Dakar is the volunteers. Their shifts are managed by the local organisers, so we don't always know in advance exactly who will be coming or when. Sometimes we have to brief new volunteers at very short notice, even between matches, to make sure everyone understands their responsibilities.

The volunteers are fantastic, though. They're enthusiastic and give up their own time to help us, so it's important that we build a good relationship with them and keep everyone motivated.

You definitely have to be flexible and know how to prioritise. Things can get hectic, but I actually enjoy the pressure and the adrenaline! When something unexpected happens, I focus on what really matters, what needs to be done first and what can wait.

What do you enjoy most about working for FIFA?

Definitely the people! I love interacting with people from so many different backgrounds, whether that's volunteers, colleagues or competition officials from different confederations. Everyone brings their own experiences, and I really enjoy learning how things are done in different parts of the world.

But what makes it truly special is seeing the impact futsal and football has on people. When you look at the crowd and feel the excitement in the competition venue, you remember exactly why you're doing all this.

Those are the moments when you realise why you're waking up at 05:00 every morning. Seeing that passion right in front of you makes everything worthwhile.

What’s your most cherished FIFA moment?

Seeing the Boca Juniors fans erupt during their first match in Miami at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. I'd never experienced the atmosphere of a South American club match before. Hearing the supporters chanting and feeling the energy in the stadium gave me goosebumps! It was an incredibly special moment because we'd just come through a very intense period preparing for the tournament. There was a lot of pressure, but it really showed me what it means to be part of a team. Everyone supported each other, stepped in when someone needed help and made sure we got through it together.

And then, standing there, seeing what football meant to those supporters, I remember thinking: ‘Wow, we're part of this!’

That's when I really realised what we'd accomplished together as a team. It's a moment I'll never forget.