FIFA will pay US$1.5 million to support Vietnamese football. — Photo baodautu.vn

HÀ NỘI — Football’s governing body will pay a US$1.5 million bailout package to each of its national football federations in Southeast Asia (SEA).

The cash-offer from FIFA will include a payment to Việt Nam, in order to offset losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Part of the package, worth $500,000, will be used to develop women’s football.

Lê Hoài Anh, general secretary of the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) said the money is necessary for the member associations.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, football games were suspended causing a deficit in revenue related to television rights, ticket sales, and sponsorship deals.

FIFA’s support will help countries maintain operations and continue to invest in targeted projects.

Around $500,000 will be given out in early September and more at the beginning of 2021.

From 2001, VFF has been granted US$200,000 a year by FIFA to support member unions in developing countries.

Part of this grant was used to build its headquarters in 2001, build a training ground at the Việt Nam Youth Football Training Centre and invest in youth football.

This annual payment is not related to the latest disbursement of funds FIFA will allocate. — VNS