The international football governing body, FIFA, is set to facilitate the raising of $75 million for a comprehensive initiative aimed at rebuilding Palestinian football infrastructure in Gaza. This significant funding effort will address the extensive damage caused by the prolonged conflict in the region. The announcement was made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during a ‘Peace Council’ meeting held in the United States.
The inaugural meeting of the Peace Council took place in Washington D.C. on February 19, focusing specifically on the urgent needs of the Gaza Strip. During this gathering, attended by close allies of the former U.S. President, Trump publicly stated that FIFA would assist in securing the $75 million required to rehabilitate and enhance football facilities in Gaza. He emphasized the critical need for new playing fields, quoting, “Regarding the football sector, which requires grass pitches, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is present here, will help raise funds to rebuild Palestinian football in Gaza.”
Following the joint announcement, FIFA released a statement providing further details on the planned reconstruction efforts. The initiative encompasses the construction of new football academies, a modern national stadium with a seating capacity for 20,000 spectators, and multiple additional pitches across the territory. FIFA clarified that while it would spearhead the project, the $75 million in funding would be collectively raised from international leaders and various global institutions, rather than directly provided by FIFA itself. President Infantino expressed his strong enthusiasm for this partnership, highlighting its potential to drive investment in football and significantly contribute to the post-conflict recovery process in the region.
The close relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump has been notable recently. The FIFA President notably presented the first-ever “FIFA Peace Award” to the former U.S. President during the FIFA World Cup draw ceremony in December. At the initial Peace Council meeting, Infantino was also observed wearing a red baseball cap adorned with “USA” and “45-47,” the latter referring to Trump’s two potential presidential terms in the White House.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly the Israeli offensive against Hamas, has resulted in immense suffering for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, leaving many displaced and critical infrastructure severely damaged. Sporting facilities have also been extensively destroyed, underscoring the vital importance of such reconstruction initiatives to restore community life and opportunities within the region.
