FIFA Donates $50 Million from World Cup Legacy Fund to WHO, WTO, and UNHCR
In a significant move, FIFA has announced a donation of $50 million to three prominent global organizations— the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This donation is part of FIFA’s 2022 World Cup legacy fund, as revealed in the organization’s annual financial report.
The financial report disclosed a gross profit of almost $5.8 billion from the recently concluded World Cup hosted in Qatar. This substantial profit has enabled FIFA to allocate a generous sum towards supporting various initiatives undertaken by the WHO, WTO, and UNHCR.
The donation will be utilized to fund several projects, with a focus on addressing critical issues. FIFA’s contribution to the WHO will aid in protecting workers in regions affected by extreme heat, a phenomenon associated with climate change. Additionally, the funds allocated to the WTO will support programs aimed at empowering women to leverage international trade opportunities and the digital economy. Lastly, the donation to UNHCR will assist refugees and displaced individuals from the Middle East and North Africa.
Despite the positive intentions behind FIFA’s donation, the organization has faced criticism from human rights groups. Amnesty International voiced its concerns, condemning FIFA and Qatar for not providing adequate compensation to migrant workers who were reportedly exploited during the tournament’s preparation phase.
Steve Cockburn, head of labour rights and sport at Amnesty International, expressed disappointment, stating, “It is shameful that FIFA and Qatar have initiated their much-anticipated legacy fund without acknowledging their responsibility towards the migrant workers who were exploited, and in some cases, lost their lives in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup.”
Cockburn emphasized the need for FIFA to take further action, urging the organization to provide meaningful redress for individuals whose rights were violated as a result of the World Cup. He asserted, “This legacy fund should not mark the end of the story. FIFA must step up and offer appropriate remedies to all those who suffered due to its flagship tournament.”
