The international football governing body, FIFA, has extended its cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Both FIFA and WHO have extended their Memorandum of Understanding for another four years. This will help them continue to encourage people to lead very healthy lifestyles and access health services properly with the help of football.
Working together to promote health through football 🤝
FIFA has extended its cooperation @WHO: four more years of using the power of football to promote healthy lifestyles and equal access to healthcare around the world.
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) May 24, 2023
The signing of the four-year MOU took place in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The cooperation was signed for the first time on October 4, 2019.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said “Health and football are perfect teammates. Promoting healthy lifestyles, safe stadiums and the physical and mental benefits of physical activity are among the many health goals WHO is proud to champion with FIFA over the next four years. WHO’s partnership with FIFA has already succeeded in sharing evidence-based messages to help people of all ages lead healthier and safer lives through the power of football and sport. WHO looks forward to continuing this journey.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino. said “We are proud to have signed and renewed the Memorandum of Understanding with the World Health Organization; we are proud to continue our relationship to deliver important physical and mental health messages through our global football audience. I express my gratitude to dr. Tedros, his wonderful team, everyone who helps in the health sector, from doctors to nurses, health professionals and health ministers, and everyone who contributes to making our lives better.”
Founded on April 7, 1948, the WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for global public health. It has 150 field offices worldwide, six regional offices and global headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.