After joining forces with the National Football League (NFL) to promote flag football, the International Federation’s Congress at its headquarters will see a vote to add a representative from NFL to the IFAF Executive Board in a non-voting role.

The initiative was approved by the IFAF Board ahead of the start of the 2022 IF Forum in Lausanne.

President Pierre Trochet and managing director Andy Fuller will represent the body along with NFL’s head of Europe Brett Gosper at the IF Forum.

"We’re delighted to be bringing the IFAF Congress ‘home’ to Paris in 2023," Trochet said.

"This will be the most important edition in our federation’s history – the culmination of a significant period of governance reform and strategic development.

"The motion to add NFL representation to our board reflects the impact of our partnership, underpinned by shared values and the goal to drive our sport’s growth all around the world.

"In this sense, Paris will provide a fitting stage as a city at the heart of global sport over the coming years."

The motion, if passed, would be an unprecedented development in the strategic alignment of the governing body and its professional league.

Increased gender representation and sustainable practices were among the motions approved to strengthen IFAF’s governance at this year’s Congress.

The IFAF Congress in 2023 will see 72 Member Federations attend with countries from Central and South America and South-East Asia regions seeking to upgrade to the Associate Member status.