Scottish football benefactor Anderson in the running for Fifa supporter prize
Hearts benefactor James Anderson has been shortlist for a prestigious Fifa award.
The Scottish philanthropist is a candidate for the Fifa fan award, recognising an outstanding fan moment or gesture which has been compiled by a panel of experts.
It will be part of the organisation’s “The Best” ceremony which takes place later this month.
Anderson has b een nominated following his generosity to Scottish football during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Edinburgh-based investor donated £3.125 million to the SPFL Trust, while he also supported women’s football in the country.
In June he said: “When Covid-19 struck, I realised what a significant loss it would be for towns across the country if their local SPFL club’s very survival was threatened.
“This isn’t just about the passion on the pitch, which is why we love the game, but about the responsibility our clubs take in communities across Scotland.”
His donation was followed by that of an associate who gave the SPFL trust a further £1.25m.
Anderson is up against Colombian fans who put rivalries aside to distribute food to people in need during the pandemic and Brazilian Marivaldo Francisco da Silva, supporter of Sport Club do Recife who walked 64 kilometres to watch his side play, a trip which took 12 hours.
Fans can vote via the Fifa website. All award winners will be revealed at The Best Fifa Football Awards show in Zurich on 17 December.