FIFA to spend $70m on African projects

Published November 25, 2007

DURBAN, Nov 24: FIFA is to spend $70 million on projects to improve African football while the continent prepares to host the 2010 World Cup finals.

The installation of artificial pitches, introduction of professional leagues and administration and training of coaches and doctors form part of the ‘Win with Africa in Africa’ initiative launched last year.

“There is a strong feeling that this World Cup should leave a legacy through out the African continent, not only for 2010 hosts South Africa,” FIFA Director for International Relations Jerome Champagne told reporters on Saturday.

“We aim to create better facilities, increase management skills and access to football,” he added.

An artificial pitch is to be installed in all but one of Africa’s 53 member countries, the only exception being World Cup hosts South Africa. A total of 21 have already been completed, most of them in national stadiums.

The project also supports the development of national leagues, with training and equipment.

Champagne said similar projects had been launched for India, Oceania and the Caribbean.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Short-changed?
Updated 24 Nov, 2024

Short-changed?

As nations continue to argue, the international community must recognise that climate finance is not merely about numbers.
Overblown ‘threat’
24 Nov, 2024

Overblown ‘threat’

ON the eve of the PTI’s ‘do or die’ protest in the federal capital, there seemed to be little evidence of the...
Exclusive politics
24 Nov, 2024

Exclusive politics

THERE has been a gradual erasure of the voices of most marginalised groups from Pakistan’s mainstream political...
Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.