Original Post under headline “Algeria to donate World Cup prize money to Gaza: ‘They need it more than us’”:
It’s no secret we were rooting for Algeria in the World Cup around here. Although they lost in a surprisingly close match to Germany in the round of 16, the team exceeded many expectations and has been celebrated upon its return home. This announcement from striker Islam Slimani will likely only increase their popularity:
Striker Islam Slimani has revealed #ALG will donate their World Cup prize money to the people in Gaza. “They need it more than us.”
— Waleed Abu Nada (@waleedabunada) July 2, 2014
The Bleacher Report estimates the prize money amounts to roughly $9 million.
Update:
While this would have been a great story, it turns out it may not be true. Despite being picked up far and wide, football journalist Maher Mezahi says the story isn’t credible:
Wonderful gesture on the part of these young men. It also brings much needed attention in the sports world, for what is happening to the people in Gaza and other territories.
How generous and thoughtful, and how unlike many of the football teams and individuals squabbling over money. If only FIFA had a fraction of their humanity, and supported the Palestinian football team as it should, against Israeli punitive brutality.
Respect
Algerians know only too well the evils of european colonialism, so of course they would have absolute empathy with the Palestinians.
Sweet dope of god! I so love this story! The team donating their World Cup prize to the needy Gazans is truly a very beautiful and moving gesture.
Contrast this to the un-royal house of Saud’s contributions to their needy brethren: trillions, and I mean TRILLIONS spent on the oppression and destruction of other Arabs – Saudi ultimate targets being: the violent dissolving of shia powers (through religious/sectarian wars), and the burial of secular Pan-Arabism (through support of religious dictatorships). Saudi trillions have been spent on creating continuing death and misery for at least some 800 million of their Arab brothers and sisters.
The gracious Algerian donation is a demonstration of profound love for Palestine and and a big fat public eff you to both the colonial zionists and the criminal house of saud.
Thank you Algiers – people everywhere love your kindness and your Uruba!
Champions on the field, champions of the heart.
Zionists, islamists and islamophobes will hate this story – heh heh heh.