Included in the Charity Auction is a signed Kuwait 1982 World Cup kit by Kuwaiti football legend Jassem Yaqoub

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 6: Football for Humanity, a United Nations–backed diplomatic sports initiative held under the patronage of Kuwait’s foreign minister, announced the extension of its charity football auction until November 20 to allow more participants around the world to bid on rare items, with proceeds going to support Palestinian children through the Kuwait Red Crescent Society.

Embassies of the participating countries — including Italy, France, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Palestine, Tunisia, Egypt, the United Kingdom, India, and Armenia — contributed exclusive signed memorabilia sourced directly from their national teams and clubs. The collection was displayed at Al Hamra Shopping Center from October 19 to 31, and online bidding remains open at 4mazad.com until 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, with winners to be announced on social media.

Fans and collectors can bid on rare items including a signed Kuwait 1982 World Cup kit by Kuwaiti football legend Jassem Yaqoub, a signed Barcelona kit from Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta, a signed AC Milan kit from Italy’s World Cup champion Andrea Pirlo, a Brazil national team kit signed by Vinícius Jr. of Real Madrid, Alisson Becker of Liverpool, Raphinha of Barcelona, among other Brazilian national team players. Other highlights include a Belgium national team kit, signed memorabilia from the Italy national team, and two footballs signed by Tunisia national team players. Each piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing its originality.

H.E. Manuel Hernández Gamallo, Ambassador of Spain to Kuwait, said: “The Spanish participation in this project comes through the football academies we have in Kuwait, including the Iniesta Football Academy. Andrés Iniesta, the most decorated Spanish player in history, is known worldwide for scoring the iconic winning goal in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He has generously donated a signed kit, which will be auctioned to support children in Palestine.”

H.E. Christian Dooms, Ambassador of Belgium to Kuwait, said: “We are participating through the donation of a shirt from the Belgian national football team. All the players have signed the shirt, and it will be auctioned to help young people in need. I believe this is a remarkable humanitarian initiative that truly deserves all support.”

H.E. Lorenzo Morini, Ambassador of Italy to Kuwait, said: “We are proud to contribute to this initiative through the participation of Juventus and AC Milan academies in Kuwait, along with the donation of several exclusive memorabilia, including a rare AC Milan jersey signed by Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo, the 2006 World Cup champion. We are pleased to dedicate this jersey, among other collectibles, to the Football for Humanity initiative in support of its mission to help Palestinian children.”

H.E. Olivier Goffin, Ambassador of France to Kuwait, added: “We are pleased to support this initiative, with the participation of French football academies in Kuwait, and through the donation of an exclusive Paris Saint-Germain jersey signed by team captain Marquinhos. This contribution underscores our shared commitment to solidarity and humanitarian diplomacy, and we look forward to amplifying this impact through the participation of football fans in the auction and the children’s matches on November 6 and 7.”

Football for Humanity, a United Nations–backed sports diplomacy initiative launched in Kuwait, aims to leverage football's global appeal to advance humanitarian diplomacy and provide tangible support. The first edition focuses on helping Palestinian children, with proceeds from the charity auction, youth tournament, and community activities directed to them through the Kuwait Red Crescent Society.

The initiative is organized by the non-profit Al-Nowair Foundation under the patronage of Foreign Minister Abdulla Ali Al-Yahya, and in partnership with the United Nations. It is overseen by a board of trustees that includes representatives from the Foreign Ministry, the U.N., ambassadors from 11 countries, and Kuwaiti officials. Private-sector supporters include Al Hamra Shopping Center, Makhazen (formerly Agility Public Warehousing Co.), and Kout Food Group, the Pizza Hut franchisee in Kuwait.

To bid on or view the auction, visit: https://4mazad.com/products/productss/71

For the latest updates, follow the initiative on Instagram: Instagram:instagram.com/footballhumanitykw.