FIFA ratifies virus relief for soccer bodies

FIFA has ratified a coronavirus relief plan that will make $1.5 billion available to soccer communities and national associations around the world. All of the 211 FIFA member associations will receive a $1 million grant “to protect and restart football” and can access interest-free loans of up to $5 million. Each member association will also receive an additional $500,000 grant for women's soccer during the plan's third phase.

FIFA has ratified a coronavirus relief plan that will make $1.5 billion available to soccer communities and national associations around the world. All of the 211 FIFA member associations will receive a $1 million grant “to protect and restart football” and can access interest-free loans of up to $5 million.

Each member association will also receive an additional $500,000 grant for women's soccer during the plan's third phase. The massive spending plan aims to help men's and women's professional soccer as well as youth and grassroots soccer through a system of grants and loans.

Each of the six soccer confederations will also receive a grant of $2 million. FIFA expects to make the funds available by January 2021.