Al Malaeb newspaper – FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledged to support efforts to rebuild football infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, as part of comprehensive reconstruction efforts following the devastating war that the Strip witnessed.
Infantino’s statements came after his participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh summit held yesterday, Monday, in Egypt, in the presence of more than 20 world leaders, where a document was signed that includes plans for regional stability and reconstruction.
The FIFA President said in his speech:
“It is very important for FIFA to be here to support, assist and ensure the success and implementation of this peace process.”
Infantino explained that the International Federation will work to return football to Gaza and the Palestinian territories by rebuilding the facilities that were destroyed as a result of the aggression, in addition to launching a special fund to support the construction of new stadiums and youth development programs.
He stressed that “the role of football must be in support, unity, and hope, and we will work to rebuild all the game facilities in Gaza in cooperation with the Palestinian Football Association, to enable children to practice their favorite sport and restore normal life.”
He pointed out that FIFA will contribute to the establishment of small stadiums and model stadiums (“FIFA stadiums”), while inviting partners and international institutions to participate in this effort, adding that “football gives hope to children, and this is extremely important at this stage.”
It is noteworthy that the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza since October 7, 2023, left about 68 thousand martyrs, including nearly 800 athletes (including about 400 football players and workers), in addition to more than 170 thousand wounded, most of them children and women, in addition to a humanitarian disaster and famine that claimed the lives of hundreds.
