FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, and SOS Children's Villages have been working together as one team since 1995 to improve the lives of deprived children. Through the global family of football, both organisations hope to strengthen the right of children to grow up in a caring family environment.

"FIFA for SOS Children's Villages"
Sport and Social Responsibility

The goal of the FIFA/SOS Children's Villages partnership is to draw the attention of worldwide football audiences to the plight of the world's abandoned and neglected children. Since 1995, FIFA has promoted and financially supported the humanitarian work of SOS Children's Villages. Currently, both parties are engaged in the joint effort "6 villages for 2006 - the official charity campaign of the 2006 FIFA World Cup TM".

Former FIFA President Havelange (left) and SOS President Helmut Kutin - Photo: M. Gschließer

The partnership between FIFA and SOS Children's Villages

Initiated in 1995 by then FIFA President João Havelange, the partnership between FIFA and SOS Children's Villages has benefited hundreds of children worldwide. In addition to promoting the humanitarian work of SOS Children's Villages, FIFA financially supports the various sports activities of children and youths in the organization's care.

FIFA supports SOS Children's Villages both nationally and internationally, playing an important role in encouraging further partnerships between national football associations and the national associations of SOS Children's Villages (active in 132 countries and territories).

The partnership was described by current FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter as "one of the clearest signals of social responsibility in the world of football" adding that: "SOS Children's Villages is a wonderful partner, and this partnership is one of the most pleasing aspects of FIFA's work."

In December 2003, FIFA and SOS Children's Villages extended their partnership and launched the joint effort "6 villages for 2006 - official charity campaign of the 2006 FIFA World Cup TM". The objective of the campaign is to collect donations for the construction and maintenance of six new SOS Children's Villages.

FIFA programmes and funds supporting SOS Children's Villages

FIFA supports SOS Children's Villages through the following events, programmes and funds:

• "FIFA for SOS Children's Villages" Ambassadors - More than 60 football stars serve in this role, including Italy's Christian Vieri, South Africa's Lucas Radebe, Nigeria's Jay Jay Okocha and Ruud van Nistelrooy of the Netherlands.
• FIFA Publicity - FIFA promotes SOS Children's Villages through various publicity activities carried out as major events such as the FIFA World Cup and various competition draws.

• FIFA Financial Support- Financial contributions serve for the construction and extension of sports facilities within or near an SOS Children's Village, particularly in developing countries.

• FIFA Development Programmes - Other programmes with SOS Children's Villages' participation include the Futuro I, II and III programmes, as well as the development programme Com-Unity and the Olympic Solidarity Programme.