Joshua Robinson reports from Port-au-Prince that Haitian soccer's future is in grave danger. The stadiums and practice fields all house tent cities. The players are scattered. The club season was canceled. And the Haitian federation is now a pile of rubble.
Yves Jean-Bart, the federation's president, was one of only two survivors when its headquarters caved in. More than 30 other officials were not so lucky. The quake struck as they met to discuss women's soccer, referees and a possible futsal tournament. Ten club officials from all over Haiti waited in the hallways to collect their affiliation certificates before the new season. In the basement, directors and coaches lounged around watching an African Cup of Nations match.
The question is whether the post-quake foreign aid will enable Haiti to rebuild soccer infrastucture and administration. Before the quake, the federation survived on a small annual stipend from FIFA and an endorsement deal with a telecommunications company. It received sporadic government funding.
Since the quake, financial support has poured in. FIFA stepped in with a $250,000 grant and is also setting up a $3 million fund, which it will manage, to help rebuild the sport's infrastructure. Concacaf head Jack Warner pledged $100,000 of his personal fortune. Chung Mong-Joon, a FIFA vice president from South Korea, added $500,000.
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