Funding to be distributed via the FIFA Foundation Community Programme in 2023

The programme allows not-for-profit organisations from across the world to apply for funding to support goal‑oriented football initiatives with a specific sustainable development component

The programme targets underprivileged children and youth around the world

To commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the FIFA Foundation has today confirmed the 114 not-for-profit organisations from 54 countries that will benefit from financial support under its Community Programme in 2023.

The FIFA Foundation Community Programme seeks to support local projects that use the power of football to effect positive social change and address the most pressing global challenges facing underprivileged children and young people around the world. The programme seeks to engage non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in a variety of initiatives that contribute to good health and well‑being, quality education, gender equality, no poverty, reduced inequalities, peace, justice and strong institutions, and the promotion of decent work and economic growth.

Upon the announcement of the new list of organisations, Mauricio Macri, Executive Chairman of the FIFA Foundation, said: “Football has a unique power to reach billions of people around the world, and its significant role as a driver of social change is demonstrated every day. This is at the core of the FIFA Foundation and what the Community Programme is all about. Between 2020 and 2022, the projects funded by the programme benefited more than 250,000 people across the globe – and we hope to reach even more people in 2023. I look forward to seeing these initiatives make a positive impact in their communities.”

The call for applications for the latest edition of the FIFA Foundation Community Programme took place in February 2023, and almost 1,000 organisations from more than 110 countries expressed their interest. Applicants had to provide evidence of being non-discriminatory, financially sustainable and not‑for‑profit, while also showing a proven commitment to safeguarding children. Proposals also needed to be rooted in their use of football to tackle social issues and bring about positive social change, and the comprehensive selection process included strict eligibility criteria and required solid supporting documentation in the areas of finance and child protection.

The organisations and projects selected promote gender-balanced participation and support children and youth in vulnerable groups, including indigenous, national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons, among others.

The FIFA Foundation was established in 2018 as part of FIFA’s commitment to generating a positive social impact and combatting global challenges. It is aligned with The Vision 2020-2023: Making Football Truly Global, FIFA’s flagship campaign of “Football Unites the World” and the Sustainable Development Goals, and it seeks to leverage the intrinsic values of the beautiful game for the benefit of people and the planet, as reflected in the spirit of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

FIFA

In celebration of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP)

Asafa Powell, Olympian, former world record holder and sprint legend to be a specially invited guest at the United Nations event "Making a Difference Beyond the Game" this Thursday, April 6th

New York, NY - As the world celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), the United Nations is organizing an event "Making a Difference Beyond the Game" at the Turkish House, 821 First Ave, New York from 3-5 pm on April 6th to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity plays in the lives of individuals and communities across the globe. Asafa Powell, Olympian, former world record holder, and sprint legend will be a specially invited guest at the event.

Asafa Powell is considered one of the greatest sprinters of all time, having won numerous medals and accolades throughout his illustrious career. He has competed in three Olympic Games and won numerous Olympic and World Championship medals throughout his career. Powell held the world record in the 100m from 2005 to 2008 and has a personal best of 9.72 seconds, and is still the fourth-fastest man in history over that distance. He has also been a strong advocate for the positive impact of sports and physical activity on individuals and communities.

The United Nations is honored to have Asafa Powell join the celebration of IDSDP and the positive impact that sports have on individuals and communities around the world. His career in athletics has inspired many young athletes to pursue their dreams and has shown the power of hard work and dedication.

The event "Making a Difference Beyond the Game" will showcase the important role of sports in promoting social inclusion, gender equality, and youth empowerment. It will feature a panel discussion, presentations by a myriad of experts and athletes  and interactive activities to engage attendees and highlight the importance of sports in creating a better world.

The event will be emceed by Gordon Tapper, President, United African Congress | Founder, Give Them A Hand Foundation and Asafa will join other specially invited guests such as

H.E. Fanday Turay, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, | Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, NBA Hall of Fame player - 1973 World Champion New York Knicks, Co-founder of Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School.

About International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP)

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is an annual celebration of the power of sport to drive social change, community development, and promote peace around the world. The United Nations designated April 6th as IDSDP in 2013, recognizing the role that sports and physical activity play in promoting sustainable development and peace.

For more information about the event, please visit the United Nations website.

Source Tara Playfair – Scot

The 8^th annual Ramadam Football Tournament would be held at the Fadama Astro Turf in Accra on April 29 and 30, 2023.

The Tournament which is organized to honour the National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu was launch at the Kempinski Hotel on Thursday by the Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif.

He said the two main objectives of the tournament which is to honour the Chief Imam and foster unity among Zongo communities has been achieved and the venue is one of the 125 astro turfs that the government has constructed to promote and develop football in Ghana.

Hon. Ussif advised all players and coaches who are going to participate to comport themselves and play well as foreign scouts would be around to monitor the best players.

He urged all participants to also uphold the purpose of the tournament, which is discipline and unity.

The chairman of the occasion, Hon. Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama, MP for Yendi who donated 10,000ghc towards the competition said the Ramadan Cup is not for only Muslims, but everyone living in a Zongo community, and counseled them use the event to develop their abodes.

Ibrahim Tanko, coach of the Ghana U23 team, the Black Meteors (Olympic football team), who promised to donate the trophy for the winning team hinted that the tournament has over the years produced some very talented players, and he is looking forward to see more great rising stars who can be poached by the league clubs.

Founder of the Ramadan Tournament, Tamimu Issah thanked some individuals and companies that have supported the event such as Afro Arab Group, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ashfoam, Multi Pak, Electroland Ltd. Zongo Development Fund and the Ministry of Youth & Sports who were all awarded certificates.

This year’s tournament will see 30 zongo communities participating from all over the country.

The preliminary draw which was the highlight of the launch saw Mamobi paired against Nsawam, Accra New Town will face Kumasi Zongo, while Nima clash with Oda and Cowlane host Tema.

Koforidua Zongo will play Adabraka, Madina versus Tunga, Shukura versus Alajo, Sabon Zongo against Suhum and Fadama against Kaneshie.

Ashaiman will play Efie Akuapim, Kasoa versus Ashale Botwe, Hohoe meet Salaga, Tudu lock horns with Anyaa, Darkuman against Yendi and Nungua versus Abeka.

Mr. Prosper Harrison Addo, General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) promised to provide officials for the tournament.

Present were Alhaji Latif of the office of the National Chief Imam and Ahmed Abdulai, one of the organisers of the Ramadan Football Tournament.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Madam Elizabeth King, Chairperson of the Women’s Commission and Vice President of the Ghana Hockey Association has called on young ladies participating in sports, especially hockey to use their leisure or spare times wisely and profitably by educating themselves as well as being creative.

Speaking at the Sports Women’s Dialogue Series organized by the Women’s Commission of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) on Thursday April 6 at the Theodocia Okoh Stadium to commemorate the International Sports Day, the founder of the Ghana Prisons Female Hockey team adviced young hockey players to aspire to greater heights in life to be successful women in future.

She however lamented that only a few sports girls are serious about education or closing the gap on gender balance.

“Who will take over from us when we are no more? I want to plead with young ladies in sports to be confident, creative and have to can do spirit as anything is achievable” she expressed.

She advised women not to be their own enemies, but be friendly and know who can help or support them positively.

DOP Mrs. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, a Director of the Ghana Prisons Service / Lawyer who shared her life as a former athlete said it is good to combine sports and education, as sports has awarded her some qualities.

She advised the participants at the Dialogue to be time conscious, self-controlled, avoid discrimination and know what is good for them to become better and fruitful citizens.

Mr. Adolf Tetteh Adjei, Chairman of the Greater Accra Hockey Association who chaired the programme said it is always ideal to dream big, and urged young ladies to aspire for greatness.

Mrs. Joyce Mahama, President of Women Sports Association of Ghana (WOSPAG) and a member of the Women’s Commission commended the participants and advised them to put what they learnt to good use.

Some of the participants shared their experiences as sports people.

The Dialogue was under the theme “Overcoming The Challenges Of The Elite Ghanaian Female Athlete And Social Skills For The Elite Athlete For The Competitive Sports World”, and it attracted a good number of people in the hockey fraternity including Ms. Rita Odei Asare, Secretary of the Ghana Hockey Association who also happens to be the Public Relations Officer of the National Sports Authority (NSA).

By Sammy Heywood Okine 

Who is Robeisy Eloy Ramírez Carrazana?

Robeisy Eloy Ramírez Carrazana aka El Tren born on 20 December 1993 is a Cuban professional boxer who has held the WBO featherweight title since April 2023.

As an amateur, Ramírez won gold medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics.

He had earlier won gold at the Summer Youth Olympics, Singapore 2010 and Pan American Games Guadalajara 2011

In July 2018, Ramírez left a Cuban National Team training camp in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The Cuban National Sports Institute stated on its official website that Ramírez was "turning his back" on the team and that "Attitudes like this are far from our values and the discipline that characterises our sport". It was thought that Ramírez had defected from Cuba to become professional, following the likes of Guillermo Rigondeaux, Luiz Ortiz, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Erislandy Lara who had also defected from Cuba to become professional.

On 24 May 2019, Ramírez signed a contract to fight professionally with Top Rank. His promoter Bob Arum stated "The last two-time gold medalist that we signed out of the amateurs, Vasyl Lomachenko, has become a big star. We anticipate the same from Robeisy".

On 10 August 2019, he made his professional debut against the little-known American, Adan Gonzales. Ramírez suffered a shock split decision defeat in which he was knocked down by a left hook within the first minute of the opening round. His second professional fight was against Fernando Ibarra De Anda on 9 November 2019. Ramírez dominated his opponent throughout the bout and in the final round, Ramírez landed a body shot which forced Ibarra to take a knee in a neutral corner. This prompted the referee, Gerard White to end the bout immediately.

On 21 February 2020, Ramírez fought against Rafael Morales. Ramírez dominated throughout the bout and secured victory via fourth round knockout.[9] On 9 June 2020, Ramírez defeated Yeuri Andujar via knockout in the first round. Ramírez knocked his opponent down with a left uppercut in the opening moments of the bout. Andujar managed to recover from the knockdown, however Ramírez swiftly hit his opponent with another left hand which put Andujar on the canvas for a second time in the bout. This caused referee Tony Weeks to end the bout instantly.

On 2 July 2020, Ramírez looked to avenge his only defeat as a professional when he fought against Adan Gonzales for a second time. Ramírez controlled the bout from the outset, and secured a dominant victory after winning every round on each of the three scorecards.

On 19 September 2020, Ramírez faced Felix Caraballo. Ramírez won via wide unanimous decision after outboxing his opponent throughout the duration of the bout. Ramírez fought against Brandon Valdes in what would be his fifth bout in less than a year on 12 December 2020. Ramírez secured victory in the sixth round after trapping his opponent against the ropes and unloading a barrage of unanswered punches which forced the referee to end the bout.

Ramírez faced Ryan Lee Allen on the undercard of José Ramírez vs. Josh Taylor on 22 May 2021. In the second round, Ramírez landed a straight left hand which put his opponent on the canvas. Despite Allen recovering from the knockdown, Ramírez proceeded to control the remainder of the bout and won via unanimous decision. On 9 October 2021, Ramírez fought on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III, in a bout against Orlando Gonzalez Ruiz. Ramírez won via unanimous decision after hurting his opponent on multiple occasions during the fight.

Ramírez fought against Eric Donovan on the undercard of Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall on 26 February 2022. In the opening round, Ramírez knocked his opponent down after landing a left hand. During the second round, Donovan suffered a cut over his right eye after Ramírez landed a left uppercut. Ramírez started pressuring his opponent in the third round and eventually hit Donovan with a hard left hook which put him against the ropes. Ramírez immediately followed this up with another left hand which knocked Donovan down for a second time. Following the second knockdown, the referee called an end to the bout immediately.

On 18 June 2022, Ramírez faced Abraham Nova, on the undercard of. In the opening moments of the third round, Nova landed a right hand which knocked Ramírez off balance. Towards the end of the third round, Ramírez hurt his opponent after landing two heavy left hands. In the fifth round, Ramírez landed a powerful straight left hand to the head of Nova which sent him to the canvas. Ramírez was declared the winner by knockout after the referee promptly ended the bout following the knockdown. Ramirez fought Jose Matias Romero on 29 October 2022. He won the fight by 9th round technical knockout.

Ramírez was booked to face the former WBO junior-featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe on 1 April 2023, in the headliner of an ESPN+ broadcast event, which took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Although it was initially scheduled as an interim title bout, the fight was upgraded to a vacant championship bout on February 9, 2023, after the reigning WBO featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete vacated the belt in order to compete at super featherweight.

He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 118–109, 119–108 and 117–110. Ramírez knocked his opponent down with a left hand in the final round of the contest to score the sole knockdown of the fight.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Kell Brook (left) beat Amir Khan to settle a bitter rivalry between the two fighters at Manchester Arena in February 2022

British boxer Amir Khan has been banned for two years after an anti-doping test revealed the presence of a banned substance following his fight against Kell Brook in February 2022.

The former light-welterweight world champion tested positive for ostarine.

Khan, who retired from boxing in May, accepted he broke anti-doping rules but said it was not intentional.

An independent tribunal accepted that argument, ruling out "deliberate or reckless conduct" by the 36-year-old.

"I've never cheated," Khan told Sky Sports News. "But I've got a two-year ban now, which is quite strange and funny because I'm already retired anyway.

"There's no comeback planned at all. But I've never cheated and I never will. That's just not something I would do."

Khan says he has "no idea" how the banned substance ended up in his system.

"I have to take some sort of responsibility. End of the day it's been found in my system. I can honestly say this is something I would never ever do [cheating].

"It was such a tiny amount, it was no benefit at all. I should have maybe taken more precautions.

"I don't want to remembered for something like this," he said. "That'll hurt me."

Khan retired after hearing of potential drugs ban

The UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) website states ostarine is a drug designed to have similar effects to testosterone.

Khan tested positive for the drug in a Ukad test taken on 19 February 2022, the night he lost to Brook.

Ukad says it informed Khan, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) on 6 April 2022 of a potential four-year ban. Brook and event promoters Boxxer were not told.

Khan accepted two doping violations but insisted he was innocent of "intentional doping", which led to the case being referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel.

The case was not heard by an independent tribunal until 24 January 2023, with a written decision handed down on 21 February.

In the meantime, Khan announced his retirement from boxing on 13 May 2022, just three months after his loss to Brook and less than a month after he was told of his positive test.

Khan retired on 13 May, a month after he was told of the potential doping ban

Ukad rejected Khan's defence that the ostarine was transmitted by a tainted supplement or human contact, but did decide the dose was too small to be intentional or give any performance advantage.

"This case serves as a reminder that Ukad will diligently pursue anti-doping rule violations in order to protect clean sport," Ukad chief executive Jane Rumble said.

Boxxer, which promoted the Khan-Brook event, said it was "disappointed" to learn about Khan's ban via social media on Tuesday, adding it is "vehemently against any use of any illegal or performance-enhancing substances taken by athletes".

Promoter Ben Shalom says Boxxer was not informed of the positive drugs test and that the BBBoC was only told on Monday, which Ukad has denied.

"Ukad has an obligation to inform parties of any adverse analytical findings in accordance with the UK anti-doping rules," a Ukad spokesperson said. "In this case, this means Ukad was required to and did notify Mr Khan, the BBBoC and Wada.

"It is a matter for Mr Khan thereafter as to whether he wished to divulge details of his finding to any athlete support personnel he was working with."

The ban from all sport runs from 6 April 2022 until 5 April 2024.

'Athletes are ultimately responsible for what they ingest'

Last October, British sprinter CJ Ujah was banned for 22 months after he tested positive for two banned substances, including ostarine, at the Tokyo Olympics.

Like Khan, Ujah denied intentionally doping but received a lengthy ban due to strict liability.

"Strict liability means athletes are ultimately responsible for what they ingest and for the presence of any prohibited substances in a sample," Rumble explained.

Fellow Briton Conor Benn failed two voluntary drug tests for female fertility drug clomifene before his cancelled bout with Chris Eubank Jr in October.

Benn was allowed back into the World Boxing Council rankings after it ruled his failed drug test was not intentional and could have been caused by a "highly elevated consumption" of eggs.

However, he remains under investigation by Ukad and the BBBofC, and is unable to fight in the United Kingdom as he does not currently have a boxing licence.

Benn has maintained his innocence but faces the same "strict liability" rule as Khan.

'Ukad announcement adds different dimension to Khan swansong' - analysis

Coral Barry, BBC Sport

Amir Khan is one of Great Britain's greatest boxers. His silver medal as a 17-year-old at the Athens Olympics in 2004 made him into a household name. He was a world champion, fought the best, from Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez to Terence Crawford, and his retirement fight against Kell Brook was a typically thrilling end to a storied career.

The Brook fight was 17 years in the making and a huge event that captured the attention of boxing and the wider sports world, despite it being well past its sell-by date. Both men were 35 when the fight happened and have since retired.

Ukad's announcement adds a different dimension to Khan's swansong.

Testing positive on fight night has become more and more unusual considering it is one of the few times a big boxing star can be guaranteed they will be tested.

Khan has been cleared of intentionally ingesting ostarine after a lengthy investigation, but strict liability carries a mandatory two-year ban regardless of intent.

BBC

The contractors on site delivered a presentation on the prototype of the final project.

The leadership of the Ghana Tennis Federation (GTF) joined the Local Organising Committee for the 13th African Games, dubbed Accra 2023, to inspect the progress of work at the Borteyman construction site.

The inspection took place on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, with the President of the GTF Isaac Aboagye Duah, Godfrey Tetteh, a member of the Tennis Development Committee, and 2022 Tennis Foundation Ghana ITF Accra J5 Open defending champion Abubakari Yakubu Lea joining the leadership of the LOC to familiarise themselves with the progress of work at the facility.

The Local Organising Committee, chaired by Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, is encouraging various sporting federations in the West African nation to join the LOC on their monthly facility inspection visits to familiarise themselves with the projects as well as make necessary inputs.

“These are things that we are encouraging. The rationale behind this is to get all the various federation heads to visit the facilities and make inputs into the construction. NBA Africa has already visited the sites and we will go with the local federation soon,” Dr. Ofosu-Asare told Accra2023ag.com.

After the field visit, the contractors on site delivered a presentation on the prototype of the final project.

During the engagement, the leadership of the GTF suggested to the contractors to consider including three offices to the tennis facility at the Borteyman complex.

Source: Accra2023ag.com

The 33-year-old will play an influential role in the club's campaign as they seek promotion to the second-tier division

Ghana international Ishmael Yartey has joined Norwegian club Alta IF, the club has announced.

Details of the 33-year-old’s move to the club has not been disclosed to the public.

The former Ghana U17 international, who was also received a senior Ghana call up in May 2012 from then head coach James Kwasi Appiah, completed his medical tests and signed a deal with the Alta Idrettspark outfit.

“Ishmael Yartey is now ready for the club,” says Sporting Coordinator for Alta IF Fotball Andre Dorgset Donjar.

The former SL Benfica attacker became a free agent after leaving Finnish club KPV at the end of the 2022 season.

Ghanasportsonline

Aleksander Čeferin was re-elected by acclamation in Lisbon (Photo by UEFA via Getty Images).

NYON, April 5, 2023 - UEFA Congress in Lisbon unanimously confirms Mr Čeferin for a new four-year mandate. The 47th UEFA Congress, held Wednesday in Lisbon, has unanimously re-elected Aleksander Čeferin as UEFA President for the period 2023–27.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Čeferin, who was the only candidate, thanked the delegates for their support. "It is a great honour but mainly it is a great responsibility towards… football," said the President. "I will do my best not to disappoint."

The 55-year-old Mr Čeferin has served as UEFA's seventh president since 2016, when he replaced former French international Michel Platini. He was subsequently re-elected in 2019.

In closing the 2023 edition of UEFA Congress, Mr Čeferin echoed the pledge that he delivered after his first election in Athens: "I promise you that I will never forget that we are here because of football. We will put football first, always. I will do whatever I can to protect football together with you."

AIPS

The ANOC Executive Council met on Friday in Madrid to discuss and agree a number of key items and emphasised the importance of unity among the NOC family during challenging times.

The meeting was attended by all Executive Council members with nine members joining online. The meeting was opened with reports from ANOC President Robin Mitchell and ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg on ANOC’s extensive activities since the last Executive Council meeting. All Continental Association Presidents delivered reports from their regions.

The Executive Council also approved Cascais, Portugal as the host of the ANOC General Assembly in 2024.

The Executive Council reaffirmed its support of the position adopted by the IOC Executive Board on 28 March and endorsed the open letter to the IOC Executive Board from the Presidents of the five NOC Continental Association of 30 March 2023. The full statement can be found here.

ANOC President Robin Mitchell said:

“Today was another very productive Executive Council meeting and reinforced the important role ANOC has to play in the Olympic Movement. Throughout our discussions, the message of unity and solidarity was a recurring theme. We are facing challenging times, but it is imperative that we remain united and continue to focus on supporting athletes.”

During the meeting, the Executive Council approved the composition of its new ANOC Commissions which include the introduction of two new Commissions: the ANOC Sustainability Commission and ANOC Technical and Coach Working Group.

The ANOC Events Working Group provided an update on the positive progress being made in the preparations for the ANOC World Beach Games Bali 2023 on 5-12 August. The Chef de Mission Seminar will be held on 28 April – 2 May and will provide an important opportunity for NOCs to contribute and ensure the best Games-experience for their athletes. The Events Working Group also proposed a change to the ANOC Awards so that the event is held every two years to coincide with the Olympic Games. The Executive Council approved the proposal.

An update was provided on ANOC’s sustainability activities with a particular focus on the partnership with The Toolbox empowering them to take action. ANOC is working closely with the IOC to get more NOCs as signatories of the Sports for Climate Action Framework, promote more online exchange, provide individual support when needed, and promote sustainability at the ANOC General Assembly.

AIPS