Against a background of conflict, strife and economic hardship, the Palestinian territories hope a $4.5 million football grant can help reshape the world’s view of this troubled region.
On Thursday world soccer’s governing body FIFA announced it will help promote the growth of Palestinian football by establishing a youth academy and building artificial pitches in the disputed territory with the investment.
The academy will be in Al-Bireh in the West Bank, while the new pitches will be located in Tulkarem — also in the West Bank — and Al-Ram on the outskirts on Jerusalem.
The grant is part of FIFA’s Goal program, which aids the development of football in emerging associations.
The Goal program is already helping with the construction of Palestinian Football Association (PFA) headquarters in Al-Ram.
“Our aim is to change the world’s impression of the people of Palestine, highlighting our passion for football and sports in general,” PFA technical director Mazen Khatib said in a FIFA statement.
Leave a Reply