FIFA to support Homeless World Cup after agreement signed in Paris
| (L-R) FIFA Senior Football Advisor Youri Djorkaeff, President and Founder of the Homeless World Cup Mel Young, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Chief of Global, Football Development Arsène Wenger and during Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FIFA and Homeless World Cup Foundation ceremony at FIFA's Paris office on August 02, 2024 Photo: Harold Cunningham/FIFA
Homeless World Cup Foundation signs memorandum of understanding with FIFA
FIFA to supply materials and stream the upcoming tournaments on FIFA+
50 days to go until the next tournament is played in Korea Republic
In line with its commitment to improving the lives of people worldwide through football, FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the Homeless World Cup Foundation (HWCF), which organises the annual Homeless World Cup women’s and men’s tournaments which are aimed to support and inspire homeless people to change their lives.
As part of the MoU, FIFA and HWCF have agreed to jointly broadcast the event on FIFA+, FIFA's streaming platform, while FIFA will also supply material and equipment, including medals and trophies.
The signature of the agreement coincided with the 50 days to go landmark as the next Homeless World Cup will take place in Seoul, Korea Republic from 21 to 28 September 2024 - the first time the competition will be staged in Asia.
|“The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing social perceptions and improve people’s lives.” Photo: Harold Cunningham/FIFA)
"I am delighted that FIFA will be supporting this wonderful tournament and to be partnering with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing social perceptions and improve people’s lives. FIFA is excited to contribute, because we share the view of the Homeless World Cup Foundation that football is a force for good, and starting from the upcoming edition in Seoul, FIFA will contribute in ensuring that this tournament continues to make a real impact that supports homeless people all across the world."
Mel Young, Homeless World Cup President said: “We are delighted to sign a partnership agreement today with FIFA which will greatly enhance the delivery of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup. The tournament, which starts on 21 September 2024, will see over 500 players from 49 countries across the globe taking part in the 19th edition of the Homeless World Cup at Hanyang University.
“Sport has real power, and we have proved that it can be a force for good.” Photo: 2008 Melbourne Homeless World Cup
“The purpose of the Homeless World Cup is to use football as a way of ending homelessness and 1.2 million people have benefited from the initiative since it was born in 2003. Sport has real power, and we have proved that it can be a force for good. FIFA is committed to supporting those in need so a partnership between the Homeless World Cup and FIFA is natural. Longer term the impact will be very significant.”
In addition, FIFA and HWCF will also explore co-branding opportunities, including on the pitch side at the venues, and on the internet including social media platforms.
|The Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup will feature 44 teams in the men’s competition and 20 in the Women’s competition. Image: Anita Milas
The Homeless World Cup first took place in Graz, Austria, in 2003 and it has been played annually (except during the COVID-19 pandemic). The tournament is an aspirational goal for individuals seeking a better future, and a powerful way to challenge how people think about homelessness.
The 2024 finals, which features 20 teams in the women’s tournament and 44 in the men’s tournament, was the inspiration for the film "The Beautiful Game”. The Homeless World Cup format features four-a-side matches with rolling substitutions and consist of two halves of seven minutes.
In terms of eligibility for the tournament, homelessness is defined according to the national context of each country. In countries without a legal definition, working definitions by local housing non-governmental organisations or academics are used.