Zim schools set to get share of Fifa profits

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN schools are set to benefit from the Fifa schools’ programme after the world football governing body’s decision to distribute nine million footballs to member countries’ schools.

The decision was reached at the just ended eighth Fifa council meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, after a 110 percent revenue surplus on its full cycle budget of 2015-2018.

The financial statements showed that Fifa has contracted more than $6,2 billion in revenue during the period under review and hence agreed to set aside a budget of $100 million to distribute soccer balls to member countries’ schools.

“Having been presented with updated financial results, which show that Fifa has contracted more than $6,2 billion in revenues or 110 percent of its full-cycle budget for 2015-2018, the Fifa council agreed to commit part of this surplus to implement the new Football for Schools Programme.

“A budget of $100 million has been allocated to implement the programme and operate it until 2022. Through the initiative, Fifa will distribute nine million footballs to schools in the territories of the 211-member associations and create an online platform to inform teachers on how to incorporate football into education,” read the statement from Fifa.

It was not immediately clear how the donated footballs will be distributed in Zimbabwe but indications are that Zifa and the National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph) and their secondary school counterparts will prioritise rural schools.