In big news for one of our clients this week, FIFA has extended a massive amount of support and input to the Homeless World Cup ahead of their 2024 tournament in Seoul!
“We share the view of the Homeless World Cup Foundation that football is a force for good.”
FIFA and the HWC have signed a memorandum of understanding which confirms FIFA’s official support, including supplying materials, equipment, medals and trophies. They will also broadcast the tournament on FIFA+, FIFA’s streaming platform.
At a special signing ceremony held at FIFA’s Olympic Headquarters in the French capital, FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke about the powerful impact the Homeless World Cup has across the world:
"I am delighted that FIFA will be supporting this wonderful tournament and to be partnering with the Homeless World Cup Foundation.
“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."
We’re immensely proud of our partnership with the HWC - we’ve been working with them for several years; refined their brand identity and built them a new website as well as designing the event logos for the annual tournaments, including the 2024 Seoul logo. Working on projects like this is immensely satisfying for Tangent as they bring together the best of the sporting and events work we’re known for, and the third sector work we love to do. HWC is an organisation that truly makes a difference in the lives of the people it works with. Mel Young, co-founder and President of the Homeless World Cup Federation, said this:
“By coming together with this MoU, we hope to have a much greater impact going forward. Football, as we know, has real power; power to create change. By bringing both together, we have the same understanding.”
“Around the world – we work in 70 countries – we take the ball to where homeless people are, we ask them to kick the ball. And anybody can kick a ball, whoever they are. You don’t have to be any good at it; it doesn’t matter what level you are at, but it makes you feel included…that’s the beginning of a process that brings about the change.”
In 80% of cases, players' lives change forever after being involved. “[They] are not homeless anymore, so that’s the impact the ball can make, and it’s a really powerful force.”
“What makes the Homeless World Cup so special... the tournament’s unique rules and fast-paced style of play.”
If that wasn’t exciting enough, members of the Seoul 2024 Korean squad have recently met with two of the most famous football clubs in the world, FC Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur. Bayern Munich invited the Korean players to join their coaching team for a training session. Co-Vice President of FC Bayern Munich Professor Dr Dieter Mayer said
“For decades, our club has been characterised by the fact that it always looks out for people who are less fortunate… The Homeless World Cup helps to improve the prospects of the people affected. Football unites and creates a feeling of community – and our club wants to offer everyone a home."
The Seoul 2024 Korean men's team were also invited to meet with Tottenham Hotspurs’ Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario at Mokdong Futsal Stadium in July. The Korean players led a teach-in of the tournament’s unique rules before taking part in a traditional Homeless World Cup match and penalty shootout, with Udogie and Vicario each helping to coach one team. Vicario said:
"It was a big pleasure for us to come and meet the Korean Homeless World Cup team today. We were able to hear their stories and learn some things from them about the rules of the tournament, and also help them out by giving advice on their game, so Destiny and I were very happy to be here today."
Mel Young added: "Meeting the Tottenham Hotspur players has been a real honour, and especially having the opportunity to show professional footballers what makes the Homeless World Cup so special with the tournament’s unique rules and fast-paced style of play.
"We can’t wait for the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup; the tournament is a magical experience and always delivers fantastic football across the eight days of action. We hope the public in Seoul, especially local football fans, come along to Hanyang University in September to watch and support this wonderful event in their home city."
The 2024 tournament is the first to be staged in Asia, and will see over 500 players from 49 countries across the globe taking part from 21-28 September. You can watch it on FIFA+!
