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FIFA to continue $1 billion investment in women's game despite coronavirus impact - reports

FIFA has reiterated its commitment to women's football despite the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak, promising on Monday that it will still invest $1 billion to help grow the sport globally.

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In a statement to various outlets, a FIFA spokesman said the organization's planned funding -- which will cover 2019-2022 -- will not be cut amid a time of drastic cost-reducing measures in the sport due to the affect of COVID-19 on competitions, clubs and governing bodies worldwide.

"This funding has already been committed by FIFA and will not be impacted by the current crisis," the spokesman said.

"This funding will be invested into a range of areas in the women's game including competitions, capacity building, development programmes, governance and leadership, professionalisation and technical programmes."

FIFA, which has cash reserves of more than $2.7 billion, as well as the ability to borrow against future income and guarantee loans, is exploring ways to help football stave off economic disaster.

The spokesman also stated that any financial package given out by FIFA to help the sport mitigate the impact felt by the coronavirus will include women's football.

"Women's football is being fully considered as part of this process in order to understand the various needs and impact on stakeholders within the women's game," the spokesman said.

"FIFA is currently working on possibilities to provide assistance to the football community around the world, including women's football. The exact format and details of this assistance are currently being discussed in consultation with FIFA's member associations, the confederations and other stakeholders.

"As part of these discussions, FIFA is in close contact with key women's football stakeholders via the Professional Women's Football Task Force and the FIFA-Confederations sub-working group on the impacts of COVID-19."

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