Infantino pledges to rebuild football in Gaza: “We will give children hope again” – Algerian Dialogue

FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledged to support efforts to rebuild football infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, as part of a broader post-war reconstruction plan.

This came after his participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit hosted by Egypt, yesterday, Monday, with the participation of more than 20 world leaders.

Infantino confirmed, after signing a document on regional stability and reconstruction plans,

The presence of FIFA in this path reflects the organization’s keenness to support and accompany peace efforts.

He said: “It is really important that FIFA is here, to support, assist and ensure the success and implementation of this peace process.”

The FIFA President explained that the international body will work to return football to Gaza and the Palestinian territories by rebuilding sports facilities that were destroyed during the aggression.

In addition to launching a special fund to support the establishment of new stadiums and programs directed at youth.

Infantino added:

“Football should be a symbol of support, unity and hope.

We will help rebuild all game facilities in Gaza, in cooperation with the Palestinian Football Association,

To enable children to practice their favorite sports in normal conditions.”

The FIFA President revealed the Federation’s intention to provide small stadiums and training facilities as part of the “FIFA Stadiums” initiative.

He called on international partners to join this humanitarian and sports effort, stressing that “football gives hope to children, and this is what we seek.”

This pledge comes at a time when the Gaza Strip is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.

Since October 7, 2023, the aggression has left about 68 thousand martyrs, including about 800 athletes, and more than 170 thousand wounded.

Most of them are children and women, in addition to a famine crisis that killed hundreds, including more than 150 children.