FIFA will spearhead a $75 million fund to rebuild soccer facilities in Gaza that were destroyed by the war between Israel and Hamas, President Donald Trump and the sport’s governing body said Thursday.
Trump made the announcement in Washington at the first meeting of his “Board of Peace,” an amorphous institution that features two dozen of the US president’s close allies and is initially focused on rebuilding the Gaza strip.
“I’m also pleased to announce that FIFA will be helping to raise a total of $75 million for projects in Gaza,” said Trump.
“And I think they’re soccer related, where you’re doing fields and you’re getting the greatest stars in the world to go there — people that are bigger stars than you and I, Gianni,” he added, referring to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was present at the event.
“So it’s really something. We’ll soon be detailing the announcement, and if I can do I’ll get over there with you,” Trump said.
Later Thursday, FIFA issued a statement providing more details, including plans to construct a football academy, a new 20,000-seat national stadium and dozens of pitches.
The FIFA communique did not mention Trump’s $75 million figure, and said funds would be raised “from international leaders and institutions.”
