FIFA donates to Haitian FA

The finance committee of world football's governing body held a meeting in Zurich this week, at which it was unanimously agreed to establish a Special Projects Fund to assist with the repair of football facilities and infrastructure.

FIFA donated £158,000 (A$287,000) in the immediate aftermath of the devastating January 12 quake, which is thought to have claimed the lives of up to 200,000 people.

Haiti was already one of the world's poorest nations before the earthquake struck, and FIFA hope their fund will help the Haitian football authorities reconstruct the association's headquarters, technical centres and regional youth facilities, and support the association's leagues and youth competitions by providing equipment.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: "Just like everyone else, I was deeply moved by the reports coming from Haiti.

"We will continue to evaluate the situation very closely with the Haitian Football Association and will do everything in our power to assist them in their hour of need."