By Andrew Warshaw
April 2 – Palestinian football is to receive a major injection of support from FIFA as it strives to enhance its development despite continuing conflict and hardship in the war-torn region. FIFA are donating a $4.5m grant which Palestinian officials hope will change the global view of the area and promote football as a tool for change.
Palestine joined FIFA in 1929 and since 2001 has been a fully-fledged member of the Asian Football Confederation. The fresh investment, which follows a donation to complete construction of a new headquarters in Al Ram on the outskirts of Jerusalem, will go towards establishing a youth academy at Al-Bireh in the West Bank and building artificial pitches in Tulkarem – also in the West Bank – and in Al-Ram.
The grant is part of FIFA’s Goal programme, which aids the development of football in developing countries. In December, FIFA approved a $200,000 donation for the reconstruction of Palestine’s main stadium in Gaza City that was bombed by Israeli forces who claimed, in turn, that rockets had been launched from the stadium.
“Our aim is to change the world’s impression of the people of Palestine, highlighting our passion for football and sports in general,” said Palestine Football Association technical director Mazen Khatib.
That stance was supported by FIFA’s director of member associations and development Thierry Regenass who said: “It’s quite remarkable the extent to which football has become a key tool to promote social development in Palestine. It’s our intention to contribute to the implementation of an efficient football infrastructure.”
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