FIFA chief vows to assist rebuilding soccer infrastructure in Gaza

FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledges the governing body’s support to rebuild soccer infrastructure in Gaza as part of wider postwar reconstruction efforts following Monday’s peace summit in Egypt.

Infantino was among more than 20 world leaders who attended the gathering in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

“It’s something that is really important for FIFA to be here to support, to help, to assist, to make sure that this peace process comes to fruition,” Infantino says after the signing of a document outlining plans for regional stability and reconstruction.

The FIFA president says his organization would help restore soccer in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories, including rebuilding facilities destroyed during the war in Gaza, and launching a fund to support new pitches and youth programs.

“Football’s role has to be to support, to unite, to give hope,” he says.

“We will help to rebuild all the football facilities in Gaza, bring football back together with the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), and create opportunities for children through the game.”

Infantino adds that FIFA would contribute with mini-pitches and “FIFA Arenas” and invite other partners to join the effort, saying “football brings hope to children, and it’s very, very important.”