The FIFA Finance Committee, chaired by FIFA Vice-President, Julio Grondona, announced yesterday that it will give $3 million to the Haitian football community. While FIFA immediately sent $250,000 following the January 12th earthquake, after a visit to Haiti by FIFA VP and CONCACAF President Jack Warner, the finance committee unanimously favored the second round of funding for $3million.

The Haitian football community was devastated by the January 12th tragedy, with 30 people associated with the Haitian Football Federation and national team confirmed dead by the organization’s president, Dr Jean Bart.

The FIFA fund will be dedicated to assisting the Haitian football family in areas such as the reconstruction of the football association’s headquarters, technical centers and regional youth facilities and to supporting the association’s leagues and youth competitions by providing basic football equipment.

FIFA President Joseph S 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.”

In addition to the now $3,250,000 from FIFA, Chung Moon-Jung, FIFA vice-president and Korean billionaire has pledged $500,000 of his own funds. Warner has also donated $100,000 of his personal money.

“The football community stands in solidarity with Haiti,” Warner said. “As our brothers and sisters face their darkest hour, we must let them know that they are not alone.”