FIFA to Organise a Charity Football Game to Raise Funds for Coronavirus Relief

World football governing body FIFA has announced it will organise a charity football match, to help raise funds for the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.

The pandemic has caused all major sports to suspend their seasons, including most major football leagues. Some like the Eredivisie in the Netherlands and Ligue 1 in France have chosen to finish their season early, while others remain hopeful of restarting their campaigns, just as the Bundesliga has done recently in Germany.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is 'committed' to organising the game when it is safe to do so / ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/Getty Images

In an official statement on their website, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “It is our responsibility to demonstrate solidarity and continue to do everything we can to participate and support the efforts in the combat against the pandemic.

“We have been active in raising awareness via several other campaigns, and FIFA has also contributed financially to this cause, but now we commit ourselves to organise this global fundraising event when the health situation permits, even if this is only in some months’ time.”

FIFA have stated that they intend for the game to help 'engage' with those beyond the football community in order to help support efforts in fighting against the coronavirus.

FIFA Foundation Executive Chairman Mauricio Macri also stated: “The FIFA Foundation will engage not only with the worldwide football community, but also other stakeholders from non-governmental organisations to other foundations, and from the private sector to governments, in order to ensure this initiative is a significant help to those who are at the forefront of research in combating COVID-19."

More details about the game itself will be announced later, including the date, venue and players involved / Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

More details concerning the game, including when and where the game will take place, as well as who will be taking part, are set to be announced at a later date.

“Further details of this unique event, including the location, date, participants and format will be announced by the FIFA Foundation in due course,” added FIFA Foundation CEO Youri Djorkaeff.

“Various scenarios and plans are currently under consideration, all of which are in line with health and other relevant guidelines from respective governments and international organisations.”