SFA ‘overwhelmed’ as fans raise £500k for Ukraine

The Scottish Football Association declared itself “overwhelmed” by the generosity of Scotland fans after confirming that last month’s friendly against Poland had raised £500,000 to help the children of Ukraine.

A crowd of 39,090 attended the 1-1 Hampden draw on 24 March with £10 from each ticket donated to Unicef’s humanitarian response in Ukraine.

Further cash was raised through text donations, plus contributions from some of the SFA'S commercial partners.

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “Everyone at the Scottish FA has been overwhelmed – but not surprised – by the generosity of the Scotland fans and those who could not make the game, but were moved to make a personal donation.

“Along with the counterparts at the Polish FA, this was a resounding show of solidarity with a country and its people.

“It reinforces the Scottish FA’S belief that the power of football can be a source for good even in the most unimaginable situations.”

The money will go towards helping supply children and their families within Ukraine – and those who have fled to other countries – with food and clean water, as well as ensuring child health and protection services are sustained.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive at the UK Committee for Unicef, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to the Scottish FA, who organised the football match, and to the nearly 40,000 people who came out to pledge their supportforthechildrenandfamilies impacted by this crisis.” There were 4,700 Poland fans in the visiting section, as well as others interspersed with Scotland supporters.