FIFA's plan to help Haiti

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Pretoria - FIFA President Joseph Blatter has written to the 32 association presidents, whose teams will be competing at the World Cup, outlining FIFA's plan to help earthquake-stricken Haiti.

FIFA made an allocation of $250 000 in emergency aid a few days after the devastating earthquake,

After carefully evaluating the magnitude of devastation, the world football governing body approved a further $3 million Special Fund for Haiti to finance projects submitted by the Haitian Football Association (FHF). The fund is managed directly by FIFA from its head office in Zurich.

However, Blatter said it was clear that the relief and recovery effort would require attention for the coming months and years.

"In recognition of this need, FIFA has decided to donate all 2 percent levies as prescribed in article 73.1 of the FIFA Statutes from friendly matches involving participating member associations of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the period of 1 March to 11 June 2010.

"To achieve more impact and to act in solidarity, we look forward to having all 32 participating member associations join this effort by making an additional donation of 2 percent for a total combined donation of 4 percent from each friendly," Blatter said in his letter to the association presidents.

FIFA will collect all donations and administer them through the Special Fund for Haiti.