FIFA announced it will invest about $75 million in Gaza as part of a plan to help rebuild the territory following the extensive destruction caused during the war between Israel and Hamas.
The announcement was made Thursday at the first meeting of the Board of Peace, convened in Washington by former President Donald Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the meeting. The initiative is a joint effort by FIFA and the Board of Peace and will include a series of soccer-related investments across Gaza.
Details of the plan released over the past day outline several main components:
- Construction of 50 mini soccer fields at a cost of $2.5 million
- Construction of five full-size fields at a cost of $5 million
- Establishment of a FIFA academy at a cost of $15 million
- Construction of a national stadium with 20,000 to 25,000 seats at a cost of $50 million
During the meeting, participants viewed a video created using artificial intelligence showing soccer fields and sports facilities rising from the rubble in Gaza. The narration said FIFA and the Board of Peace would work to “turn football into a bridge for peace, dignity and hope” and establish a “complete football system” in the territory.
According to FIFA, the first phase of the plan will focus on building the mini fields, with an estimated timeline of three to six months. Construction of the stadium is expected to take between 18 and 36 months. FIFA also said it will assist in establishing youth and amateur leagues.
Despite the scope of the plans, it remains unclear when work on the projects will be able to begin.