Gianni Infantino attends FIFA Foundation board meeting in Buenos Aires as an initial allocation of USD 1 million for countries in Africa is confirmed
Memorandum of Understanding also signed with Fondazione Paolo Rossi
FIFA Foundation reached over a quarter million beneficiaries in 2022 and committed a record support of USD 3 million to rebuild football infrastructure damaged by natural disasters
The FIFA Foundation Board, in a meeting attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has approved the establishment of a humanitarian fund and the initial allocation of USD 1 million to support protracted crisis across Africa – with the first donation already committed to assist the people forced to flee due to the escalation of the conflict in Sudan.
The board also agreed to launch a Para Football Programme to further support FIFA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring football is accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, gender or geographical location. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Paolo Rossi Foundation, which was set up by the family of the late Italy FIFA World Cup™ winner following his passing in 2020. Both foundations will collaborate in a scholarship programme for young football talents from disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them with an educational and sporting life-time opportunity.
The meeting heard that during 2022 the FIFA Foundation reached over a quarter million beneficiaries in projects using football as a tool for sustainable development. It also provided record support of USD 3 million for the reconstruction of football infrastructure damaged due to natural disasters. “It was a big year. We have worked hard to maintain and reinforce the role of the FIFA Foundation at the centre of the field of sports for development and peace, and make a positive social impact,” said Mauricio Macri, Executive Chairman of the FIFA Foundation.
During the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023™, members of the FIFA Foundation board were able to witness at first hand some of the projects benefited via the FIFA Foundation Community Programme – a global initiative that offers support to local initiatives that use football as a tool for social development. The delegation led by Sonia Fulford and Isha Johansen, FIFA Council members and members of the FIFA Foundation Board, and the Head of the FIFA Foundation, Mariana Banús, visited Asociación Civil Andar and the Fundación Defensores del Chaco. The team took part in both organisations’ everyday activities and visited the areas in which they operate in Moreno, in the western suburbs of the capital Buenos Aires. The FIFA Foundation was established in 2018 as part of FIFA’s commitment to generating a positive social impact and addressing the most pressing global challenges. Aligned with the Vision 2020-2023: Making Football Truly Global, and FIFA’s flagship campaign of Football Unites the World, the FIFA Foundation seeks to leverage the intrinsic values of the beautiful game for the benefit of the people and the planet.