Fifa to provide US$1M grant for rehab of football facilities destroyed by Yolanda

• From: Karlo Sacamos

ADD the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) to the long list of organizations that have promised to help in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda.

The world governing body for football has pledged to the Philippine Football Federation a special grant that could reach up to US$1 million in efforts to rebuild football infrastructure and facilities in areas affected by the catastrophic tropical storm that hit the country last month.

The Fifa communicated the good news to the PFF through a letter signed by Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke last December 9.

"We are deeply moved by this generous support of Fifa that shows their solidarity and sympathy with our nation. We are thankful to Fifa officials especially to president Sepp Blatter," PFF president Mariano 'Nonong' Araneta said.

The PFF is expected to send Fifa a detailed request in the next few weeks to determine how much exactly is needed for the rebuilding efforts.

"This is a big boost not only for football in the region, but also to Philippine football as a whole,” PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes said. “We are looking at rehabilitating and constructing football facilities in provinces severely hit by super typhoon Yolanda.”

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