Thirteen years after its launch by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, the Goal Program has reached a new milestone. A total of 600 Goal projects in 199 member associations have been implemented, representing a total investment of $250M by FIFA. Goal Program has highlighted the principle of solidarity, with Africa as the main beneficiary of funds (166 projects allocated to the region’s member associations) followed by Asia (147), Europe (111), North, Central America and the Caribbean (99), Oceania (42) and South America (35). Blatter said, "More important than the figures is the fact that the Goal Program and all other FIFA development programs are having a concrete and positive impact on local communities, thus enabling FIFA to fulfil its mission: develop the game, touch the world and build a better future." Goal funds have mainly been used to create football infrastructure, including technical centres (35% of the overall investment), headquarters (25%), football pitches (24%) and football academies (4%). Further investments have been made in IT applications (3%) and miscellaneous items such as medical centres and futsal halls (9%) (FIFA).
