UN fundraiser football match nets half a million dollars for Haiti and Pakistan

A special United Nations football match played by some of the world’s top footballers in December raised more than half a million dollars for ongoing post-disaster reconstruction work in Haiti and Pakistan, and for disadvantaged communities in Greece.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Olympiacos Football Club of Athens, the organizers of the event, said that all proceeds from ticket sales, broadcast rights, sponsorships and direct donations from the 14 December “Match Against Poverty” had been received, costs deducted and the total audited.

More than 33,000 fans had filled the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, a port city on the outskirts of Athens, to watch the players reach a 2-2 draw.

“We are delighted by the overwhelming support for the people of Haiti and Pakistan,” said the UNDP Administrator, Helen Clark. “We are proud that UNDP’s 8th Match Against Poverty provides the opportunity for the public to participate in the recovery of countries devastated by horrific disasters. Partnerships like these help the fight against poverty and exclusion.”

Seventy per cent of total proceeds will be donated to Haiti and Pakistan, with 30 per cent going to Argo, the Navy Union for parents of children with special needs, as well as to homeless and disadvantaged communities in Piraeus.

“Greek spectators became the real players in this Match,” said Olympiacos President Evangelos Marinakis. “Despite the economic crisis in Greece, the spectators filled the stadium in solidarity with the poor.”

For the past eight years, the match has been supported by the world football governing body, FIFA, and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Its aim is to raise awareness and funds for global poverty-reduction efforts.

“Every time we get together for this match we can help and make a difference,” said UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Zinédine Zidane, one of the players who took part in the match.

“It is important that we reach out in solidarity with those affected by extreme poverty,” echoed his fellow UNDP Ambassador and teammate, Ronaldo. “We are very happy with the results of this edition, and we look forward to hearing about the results from the projects in Pakistan and Haiti that will benefit.”