Italian football powerhouse AS Roma is set to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Nepal during their UEFA Champions League opening match against Fenerbahce this Thursday. The club will wear special jerseys featuring the message “Together for Nepal” alongside the logo of the World Food Programme (WFP). This initiative serves as a replacement for their usual betting sponsor, which is prohibited from appearing on team kits in Turkiye.
The devastating floods and landslides that struck Nepal last month have left a trail of destruction, with over 1,300 people confirmed dead and 5,000 still missing. Scientists have linked the catastrophe to climate change, noting that the disaster was triggered by a mountain glacier collapse that sent massive torrents of water and mud into the Rasuwa and Nuwakot regions of Nepal, as well as parts of Tibet in China.
In a statement regarding the partnership, the club noted: “AS Roma and the WFP are joining forces to support the people of Nepal, who have been severely affected by the floods and landslides impacting the country.” The organization added that the Giallorossi players will take the field with the WFP logo on their chests to bring visibility to the emergency and support the agency’s ongoing relief work. Following the match, the club intends to auction these unique shirts to raise further funds for the UN-based agency.
The football community has rallied behind the victims throughout the opening week of the Champions League. A moment of silence was observed before kickoff in every fixture since the competition began on Tuesday, with players, coaching staff, and fans paying their respects. Stadium screens across all venues have also displayed messages of solidarity for those affected by the disaster.
Beyond the efforts of the Italian club, other major football organizations are contributing to the recovery. The English Premier League side Arsenal has also pledged support for the relief operations through the Arsenal Foundation and its charity partner, Save the Children, which is currently active on the ground in Nepal providing emergency assistance. The report also notes that as the logos and names of sports betting or gambling companies are banned on team kits in Turkiye, the move comes after Roma were prohibited from displaying the logo of their shirt sponsor.
Comments