Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, the FIFA Foundation has stepped in to provide emergency humanitarian support to affected communities. Working closely with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), the initiative focuses on delivering essential aid to clubs, players, and local communities in the most severely impacted parishes, including Hanover, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, and Westmoreland.
The category five hurricane, which struck on 28 October, brought a 17-foot storm surge, severe winds, and torrential rain, causing landslides, flooding, and widespread damage. Many communities, particularly within the domestic football ecosystem, continue to face significant challenges, with disrupted competitions and sponsorships creating financial pressures for both clubs and individual players.
To address urgent needs, the FIFA Foundation has funded the preparation of around 1,000 relief packages containing food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other household essentials. These packages are being distributed through 15 beneficiary clubs, which serve as local hubs to ensure assistance reaches those most in need efficiently and responsibly. For many, participation in football represents a vital source of income, making this support crucial for both livelihoods and community cohesion.
Mauricio Macri, Executive Chairman of the FIFA Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to standing alongside the football community during natural disasters, while JFF President Michael Ricketts highlighted that the support provides not only essential supplies but also hope for rebuilding communities and returning to the game. Club managers, such as Veralton Nembhard from Montego Bay United, expressed gratitude for the packages, noting their importance after losing facilities and relocating due to the hurricane.
The FIFA Foundation will continue to monitor the situation with the JFF to assess long-term recovery needs, ensuring that further support is guided by ongoing evaluations of affected communities. By working through established local networks and trusted partners, the Foundation delivers coordinated assistance efficiently. The FIFA Foundation Humanitarian Fund, which underpins these efforts, is designed to provide timely, life-saving support worldwide in the wake of natural and human-made disasters, harnessing the unifying power of football to mobilize aid and assist vulnerable populations.
