February 17 – The FIFA Foundation is to provide USD 1 million in emergency humanitarian aid following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
To date the earthquakes which have claimed the lives of more than 42,000 people and left many more homeless in freezing temperatures.
The aid will be used to buy and distribute essential humanitarian items, as well as to provide emergency and temporary shelter and protection.
The money is being distributed following consultation with the Turkish Football Association (TFF) and the Syrian Football Association (SFA), alongside international and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), said FIFA.
“Collaboration will continue with both member associations,” said FIFA.
UEFA and the UEFA Foundation for Children, have already made an initial donation of €200,000 to support the humanitarian operation following the earthquakes.
That money has been channelled through the Turkish Football Federation – €150,000 – with the other €50,000 going to the Bonyan Organization and Tiafi (Team International Assistance for Integration) which is working on the frontlines of the disaster response in southern Turkey and Syria.
“UEFA is making this initial donation to help the immediate humanitarian response to this horrendous tragedy,” said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.
“I also want to thank our member associations for their quick and compassionate reaction and support offered to those affected by this terrible event.”
Clubs playing in UEFA club competition matches this week all observed a moment of silence as a show of support for Turkey and Syria and as a mark of respect for the victims. A commemorative banner was displayed on the field with the message ‘We Are Together With You’ in Turkish and Arabic. The message was also be shown by TV broadcasters and on giant screens in each stadium.
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