Washington : FIFA and the Board of Peace, established under U.S. President Donald Trump, signed a partnership agreement on Thursday aimed at attracting global investment for sustainable development in conflict-affected regions through football.
The Board of Peace recently held its first meeting focusing on a Gaza reconstruction fund intended to help rebuild the territory once Hamas disarms.
The disarmament of Hamas militants and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, as well as the size of the reconstruction fund and the flow of humanitarian aid, are expected to pose significant challenges to the board’s effectiveness in the months ahead.
Under the collaboration plan, FIFA said it would oversee the construction of 50 mini-pitches near schools and residential areas in Gaza, five full-size pitches across multiple districts, a state-of-the-art FIFA academy and a new 20,000-seat national stadium.
Trump said FIFA would raise $75 million for soccer-related projects in Gaza.
“Today, FIFA and the Board of Peace have signed a landmark partnership agreement that will foster investment into football for the purpose of helping the recovery process in post-conflict areas,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
“Together with the support of the Board of Peace, FIFA will drive this partnership which is built to deliver impact at every stage.”
FIFA added that the programme would also emphasise job creation, youth participation, organised leagues for boys and girls, community engagement and the stimulation of local commercial activity.
