FIFA has donated CHF 10,000 to the Eleonore Foundation of the University Children’s Hospital Zurich – all the proceeds from the world football’s governing body’s participation in this year’s Züri Fäscht (Zurich Festival).

At a ceremonial reception, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura symbolically handed over the cheque to Dr Markus Malagoli, CEO of Zurich Children’s Hospital, and Pascale Meier, in charge of fundraising.

Zurich Children’s Hospital is one of the leading clinics for paediatrics and youth medicine in Europe. Every year, around 100,000 patients are treated, 6,000 operations performed and more than 40,000 emergencies admitted.

Fatma Samoura said, “I am very proud to be here today and hope to put a smile on the faces of the young patients. This hospital plays an immensely important role in the community and not only helps sick children, but also actively supports them in understanding and accepting their illnesses.”

“Donations enable us to provide services to treat seriously ill and injured children that are not covered by insurance or the state. For example, we can make it possible for parents who are struggling financially to stay overnight in our parents’ rooms, our hospital clowns to be there for our patients every day, and our pioneering research to make life better for even more children in the future,” Dr Malagoli added gratefully.