'Football is a force for good': Homeless World Cup gets backing from FIFA

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has penned a deal for the global footballing body to give the Homeless World Cup (HWC) its official backing.

Infantino signed a memorandum of understanding with HWC co-founder Mel Young at FIFA’s Paris Olympic headquarters, meaning that the FIFA will provide support and input to future HWC tournaments, starting with next month’s iteration in Seoul, South Korea.

The HWC has been running since 2003, offering people with experience of homelessness from all over the globe the opportunity to participate in an annual football tournament. The idea has been such a hit that it inspired Netflix film The Beautiful Game earlier this year. 

“I am delighted that FIFA will be supporting this wonderful tournament and to be partnering with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” said Infantino.

“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.”

As the 2024 HWC tournament moves closer, the Homeless World Cup Foundation has been educating Spurs players Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie on its work.

The Italian pair met the South Korean men’s Homeless World Cup team last week while in Seoul to participate in the pre-season Coupang Play Series 2024 tournament, taking on Team K League and Bayern Munich. The German giants also hosted the South Korean team.

The Premier League side are a big draw in South Korea thanks to the fame of national hero and club captain Son Heung-min.

Son’s team-mates watched the Korean team train at Mokdong Futsal Stadium and took part in a question and answer session.

In return, the Koreans were able to inform goalkeeper Vicario and defender Udogie on the rules for HWC games. The four-a-side games are packed with goals as one attacking player must always be in the opponent’s half while draws are decided with a sudden-death penalty shootout.

Vicario told Spurs’ official website: “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.”

As well as meeting the South Korean players, the Spurs stars met the tournament’s local organising committee, which includes Lee Keun-ho – a former team-mate of Son Heung-min.

Korean Men’s Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup Manager Hanbyul Lee said: “For our Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup players, this moment meant everything to them. To have the opportunity to spend time with two professional footballers and to play football in front of them was a dream come true.

“During the penalty shootout, one of our players asked Udogie for some advice, the feedback was to fake the first shot and surprise the keeper with the second shot. Our player said he wasn’t good enough, Udogie simply told him that he was and to believe in himself and be positive… he did, and he scored.

“Helping individuals to believe in their potential sums up the impact of the Homeless World Cup and we saw it here today as well. The Homeless World Cup tournament itself is a once in a lifetime experience and we still have that to look forward to in September but thanks to Tottenham Hotspur, Udogie and Vicario, our players now have one more inspirational experience that can help shape their future.”

Mel Young, co-founder and president of the Homeless World Cup Foundation, said the meeting between the Premier League footballers and the HWC competitors showcased the “magical experience” the tournament creates.

“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 19th Homeless World Cup is the first time the event has been held in Asia and kicks off at Seoul’s Hanyang University on 21 September, running until 28 September

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. Big Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.