The Homeless World Cup — a competition made famous by a popular movie — will get the support of global body FIFA when it kicks off in South Korea in late September.
The annual tournament, which started in 2003, aims to change public attitudes towards homelessness, and to inspire homeless players to seek a better future.
FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the Homeless World Cup Foundation (HWCF), which organises the annual Homeless World Cup women’s and men’s tournaments which are aimed to support and inspire homeless people to change their lives.
Main photo: From left, FIFA senior football advisor Youri Djorkaeff, president and founder of the Homeless World Cup Mel Young, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and FIFA chief of global football development Arsène Wenger at the signing of the agreement. Photo credit: Harold Cunningham/FIFA.
As part of the MoU, FIFA and HWCF have agreed to jointly broadcast the event on FIFA+, FIFA’s streaming platform, while FIFA will also supply material and equipment, including medals and trophies.
The next Homeless World Cup will take place in Seoul, Korea Republic from September 21-28, 2024 — the first time the competition will be staged in Asia.
More than 500 players from 49 countries will take part in the 19th edition of the Homeless World Cup at Hanyang University.
“I am delighted that FIFA will be supporting this wonderful tournament and to be partnering with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing social perceptions and improve people’s lives.
“FIFA is excited to contribute, because we share the view of the Homeless World Cup Foundation that football is a force for good, and starting from the upcoming edition in Seoul, FIFA will contribute in ensuring that this tournament continues to make a real impact that supports homeless people all across the world.”
Mel Young, Homeless World Cup president said: “The purpose of the Homeless World Cup is to use football as a way of ending homelessness and 1.2 million people have benefited from the initiative since it was born in 2003.
“Sport has real power, and we have proved that it can be a force for good.
“FIFA is committed to supporting those in need so a partnership between the Homeless World Cup and FIFA is natural. Longer term the impact will be very significant.”
In addition, FIFA and HWCF will explore co-branding opportunities, including on the pitch side at the venues, and on the internet including social media platforms.
The Homeless World Cup first took place in Graz, Austria, in 2003 and it has been played annually (except during the COVID-19 pandemic).
The tournament is an aspirational goal for individuals seeking a better future, and a powerful way to challenge how people think about homelessness.
The 2024 finals, which features 20 teams in the women’s tournament and 44 in the men’s tournament, was the inspiration for the film The Beautiful Game.
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The Homeless World Cup format features four-a-side matches with rolling substitutions and consist of two halves of seven minutes.
In terms of eligibility for the tournament, homelessness is defined according to the national context of each country.
In countries without a legal definition, working definitions by local housing non-governmental organisations or academics are used.
This story was first published on August 20, 2024.
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