The World Cup in Qatar has brought a new generation of players into the spotlight. Some of them are immigrants who shine on the world stage with the jersey of their adopted country. Among them is the German footballer of Cameroonian origin Youssoufa Moukoko -- a rising star who has overcome serious hurdles.
A new project promoted by the Italian Lega Pro aims to bring refugees and local communities together through sports. The Integration League is promoted by UNHCR and Project School and is co-funded by the European Union. Matches are slated to begin in January.
A team with refugee football players in Germany has won the first UNITY EURO Cup in Nyon -- an international football tournament for refugees and migrants. The new competition organized by the European Football Union (UEFA) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) aims to promote the integration of refugees.
Napoli football star Kalidou Koulibaly has donated uniforms and towels to the football team Arci Mediterraneo, whose players are immigrant citizens, to support this initiative of integration.
Amnesty International has asked football's governing body FIFA to pay compensation of at least 440 million dollars to the thousands of migrant workers "who suffered human rights abuses" in Qatar during preparations for the 2022 World Cup. Amnesty has denounced the dire working conditions of migrant workers ahead of the tournament.
The toll free number 020205 has been activated in Milan to support refugees who have fled the war. Ukrainian-speaking operators will help refugees gain access to services provided by the city of Milan and local networks.
Alphonso Davies, FC Bayern Munich's left-back and player for the Canadian national football team, has been appointed UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. "My own experiences make me want to speak up for refugees," said the 21-year-old, who was born in a refugee camp in Ghana. His parents fled civil war in their native country, Liberia.
Twenty-four girls from the Minawao refugee camp were given tickets to watch Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. The chance to watch their team live was the adventure of a lifetime.
Mustapha Jawara has become the first migrant to be registered as an official football referee with the Italian Referees Association. The young Gambian presided over his first matches this week.
A twist in the tale: the case of Bakery Jatta appeared to have been settled but now German authorities are pressing charges against the Hamburg footballer after all. Jatta is accused of playing under a false identity.
Three migrants hosted by the Sant'Egidio Community will be part of the Pope's soccer team 'All Brothers' that will play a team representing the World Roma Organization. The charity match on Sunday November 21 is aimed at fighting racism and discrimination.
The St. Ambroeus soccer team in Milan brings together refugees, asylum seekers and local youth. It is a way to reduce their isolation, but also to fight against racism in the country.