Zurich announced six projects, mostly sports complexes, that will benefit from a donation provided by FIFA, and the FIFA Exec Committee confirmed that it would make CHF 20M ($20.63M) available to the city (FIFA). However, REUTERS' Brian Homewood reported FIFA has "withdrawn its offer" to provide CHF 20M ($20.99M) toward the building of a purpose-built soccer stadium in Zurich because of "plans to include standing areas for fans." In a compromise solution, FIFA has agreed to make a donation of the same amount to the Zurich city government (REUTERS, 7/4).
Zurich's approved projects:
-- Hönggerberg sports complex: A natural grass pitch will be replaced with an artificial turf pitch. FIFA's contribution: CHF 3M ($3.09M).
-- Fronwald sports complex: A natural grass pitch will be replaced with an artificial turf pitch, and another old artificial turf pitch will be renewed. FIFA's contribution: CHF 3.5M ($3.61M).
-- Letzi sports complex: A natural grass pitch will be replaced with an artificial turf pitch. FIFA's contribution: CHF 3M.
-- Juchhof 1 + 2 sports complex: Two old artificial turf pitches will be renewed and floodlights will also be installed. FIFA's contribution: CHF 5M ($5.16M).
-- Hardhof sports complex: An old sand pitch will be replaced with an artificial turf pitch. FIFA's contribution: CHF 2.5M ($2.58M).
-- Girls' and women's football will also be supported. FIFA's contribution: CHF 3M.
