World Cup 2014: Algeria to donate $9m World Cup prize money to people of Gaza, because ‘they need it

[mia]

Source: The Independent

The Algerian national football team are to donate their entire World Cup prize fund to the embattled people of Gaza, it has been reported.

According to quotes attributed to Algeria’s star striker Islam Slimani, the team will give up all of the estimated $9 million (£5.25 million) they received as valiant losers in the round of 16....

If reports of their donation to Gaza are true, it will see Algeria gain a whole new set of fans beyond football around the world. They were also the only African side to make it through past the group stages – and their apparent willingness to give away the prize money is in stark contrast to the reported behaviour of the Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria teams....

The reported donation to the people of Gaza comes at a critical time in the conflict, as Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu struggles to control a frenzied reaction to the murder of three Israeli hitch-hikers, which the country blames on Hamas....


Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/algeria-to-donate-9m-world-cup-prize-money-to-people-of-gaza-because-they-need-it-more-than-us-9581338.html

[dipsydoodle]

1. Nice gesture

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. They weren't the only African side to make it to the group of 16 - Nigeria did too (nt)

[VWolf]

5. Correct. It's odd

that a British publication would make this sort of error.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Just heard a BBC radio doc on the difficulty of charity funding in Gaza

and other areas where western governments put lots of laws about vetting recipients in the way of western charities:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p021mxb5

So a move like this from the Algerian team is a good thing.

[mia]

4. "Risk of prosecution has now created a climate of fear in many aid agencies...."

Thanks for the link. Listening to the broadcast now.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p021mxb5

[swilton]

6. Bravo

I'll be rooting for them!