FIFA pledges funds to World Cup legacy trust

A man looks at the soccer World Cup trophy during an international tour organised by FIFA, in Lima January 23, 2014.  [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - A 2014 World Cup legacy trust will allocate at least 20 million US dollars to youth development projects in Brazil, the game's governing body FIFA said on Thursday.

FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke made the announcement while visiting the Bola Pra Frente institute in Rio de Janeiro.
Accompanied by Brazil legends Bebeto, Cafu and Jorginho, Valcke said the facility was part of FIFA's Football for Hope program, promoting creativity and a healthy lifestyle among children.

"FIFA has already invested 35 million U.S. dollars in Football for Hope by supporting various organizations around the world," Valcke said.

"Today we are extending this to 25 organizations in Brazil. We have created a legacy trust which we will provide more details about in March."

The 53-year-old Frenchman, noticeably struggling in Brazil's midsummer heat, was greeted by musical performers and converted a mock penalty kick to the amusement of onlookers.