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FIFA <\/em>(www.FIFA.com<\/a>)\u00a0volunteer programme brings together people from around world; More than 80% of potential volunteers are from Africa and Asia; Deadline for applications for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022\u2122 is Sunday, 31 July.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n More than half a million people have now signed up on FIFA\u2019s global volunteer platform. The FIFA volunteer programme, revamped in December 2020, is the largest of its kind in sport, allowing everyone who signs up on the registration portal to apply to take part in any future FIFA tournament. Volunteer numbers have soared from 100,000 to 500,000 since October\u00a02021, with the fast-approaching FIFA World Cup\u2122 unsurprisingly proving the biggest draw.<\/p>\n \u201cThis rise in people signing up to the platform truly is remarkable,\u201d said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. \u201cThe surge in numbers shows that our volunteer programme and platform are becoming a real, global community, with incredible interest in taking part in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVolunteers play a key role in every FIFA tournament. Along with their energy and smiles, they bring a unique atmosphere, giving their time and expertise to ensure football continues to flourish. Once again, volunteers have shown their commitment to, and love of, our sport, and we are truly thankful for this.\u201d<\/p>\n The landmark figure has also impressed the FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura. \u201cIt is outstanding to reach this important milestone so quickly after the programme was relaunched, and we are very happy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cFor football to continue to thrive, volunteers are absolutely essential. We can see the popularity and love of our sport shine through in these fantastic volunteers. It is a very special community and we look forward to it expanding further.\u201d<\/p>\n The spread of volunteers across all events is fascinating and, with the FIFA World Cup 2022\u2122 on the horizon, the regions closest to Qatar are strongly represented: 43.2% are from Asia and 40.2% from Africa. English is the most commonly spoken language among applicants (94.4%), while 23.8% speak French, 16.7% Spanish and 3.8% German. Almost half of volunteers \u2013 48.9%, to be precise \u2013 speak a language other than the aforementioned four.<\/p>\n Overall, 53.1% of volunteers are in employment, while 34.4% are students. In terms of age groups, 24- to 34-year-olds lead the way (42.9%) ahead of 18- to 24-year-olds, who make up 36%, while 35- to 44-year-olds comprise 15.6% and 5.5% of volunteers are aged 45 or over.<\/p>\n Applications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 volunteer programme \u2013 the largest such scheme in Qatar\u2019s history \u2013 will close on Sunday, 31 July at 23:59 (Doha time). The programme is aimed at bringing people together through football to deliver the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world, while celebrating their mutual love for the game and showcasing the true spirit of Qatar. It will put 20,000 passionate volunteers at the heart of the tournament\u2019s operations and create a proud volunteering legacy in the region.<\/p>\n \u201cBillions of people will be watching when the world\u2019s greatest football event happens in our home this November. As residents of Qatar, we have the chance to support the tournament through volunteering. It\u2019s been amazing to see the candidates\u2019 excitement to join the volunteering team,\u201d said Dr Susan Borden, a US national who is part of the pioneering group that is interviewing the applicants.<\/p>\n Interviews will be completed by 13 August, when the tournament reaches the 100 days-to-go milestone. Members of the public aged at least 18, whether passionate football fans or simply interested in the volunteering experience, have until Sunday, 31 July to apply to take part in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at\u00a0https:\/\/volunteer.FIFA.com<\/a>, which is also the place to go to register for other FIFA events.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n