PFF to set up relief programme for footballers affected by COVID-19
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is preparing to set up a relief programme for footballers who have been influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic as the federation already has the permission to utilise funds from the FIFA Forward Program for pandemic relief purposes.
Federation Internationale de Football Association(FIFA) has announced a relief plan with a universal solidarity grant of $1 million to all member associations and an additional grant of $500,000 to women’s football.
Upon this, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is preparing to set up a relief programme for footballers who have been influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic as the federation already has the permission to utilise funds from the FIFA Forward Program for pandemic relief purposes.
"We are waiting for a formal letter from FIFA. I have spoken to FIFA and they did say that a grant will come to us and once we receive that we’ll use it accordingly," PFF secretary general, Manizeh Zainli said.
According to FIFA, the grant money can be used to restart competitions, including medical testing, the participation of national teams in various events, payments to staff, maintenance and general operating costs.
"We were already given the go-ahead by FIFA recently to start players relief fund from the Forward Program but now we are getting more funding from FIFA and that will also be used in the relief," Manizeh said.
The PFF official further said that the additional amount of $500,000 will also help them accelerate plans to start a women’s league.
