FIFA gives Nigeria, others $150M Covid-19 Relief Fund

FIFA has disclosed it will release operational funds for 2019 and 2020 amounting to $150 million each to its member associations as the first step of a relief plan to help negate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global soccer body said it recently, National Daily learnt.

Each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive $500,000 in the coming days as well as any remaining entitlements for 2019 and 2020, it added.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought soccer to a standstill and clubs have struggled to cope with the loss of revenue.

“The pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for the entire football community and, as the world governing body, it is FIFA’s duty to be there and support the ones that are facing acute needs,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“This starts by providing immediate financial assistance to our member associations, many of which are experiencing severe financial distress.

“This is the first step of a far-reaching financial relief plan we are developing to respond to the emergency across the whole football community”, concludes Infantino.