The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) is supporting its Member Associations in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua to help their communities which have been devastated by the impact of hurricanes Eta and Iota. Additionally, the Confederation will support UNICEF USA by raising awareness of their essential relief efforts in the region.

Concacaf will offer direct support to communities in all three countries through its Member Associations. The Confederation will also use the significant interest in its Scotiabank Concacaf League (SCL) matches in Honduras on December 1st and 2nd, involving C.D. Marathon, FC Motagua and C.D. Olimpia, to raise awareness and support UNICEF’s emergency response and fundraising.

Hurricane Eta left a trail of destruction across several communities in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Heavy rainfall led to catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, which were particularly devastating in areas which had already been heavily impacted by this year’s intense rainy season. Hurricane Iota caused heavy rainfall, leading to life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides including in some communities which has already been heavily impacted by Eta.

In the affected countries, children and families have been displaced and are struggling to recover from the devastation of the storms. UNICEF is working with partners to rush lifesaving supplies and humanitarian support to the most vulnerable.

UNICEF is appealing for $42.6 million for the next six months, to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs of children and families in the region affected by Hurricane Eta. This funding requirement is provisional as UNICEF continues to assess the impact of Hurricane Iota which will likely increase the humanitarian needs in these and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Concacaf will support UNICEF fundraising calls in the SCL Quarterfinal matches in Honduras, which include the ‘Honduran classic’ between CD Olimpia and FC Motagua. These two clubs will face each other for the first time in the quarterfinals of an international tournament. The match will start at 10:15 ET and will be played on Wednesday, December 2nd at the National Stadium of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Ahead of the match a moment of silent will take place to show solidarity with the communities impacted by the hurricanes.

Additionally, the Confederation will use its digital and social media platforms to raise awareness for UNICEF’s efforts. Fans can also join Concacaf in supporting UNICEF by visiting https://bit.ly/36X2sQa.

“It has been heartbreaking to witness the devastation caused by hurricanes and tropical storms in Central America in recent weeks,” said Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani.

“Many communities have suffered and my thoughts and prayers, and those of everyone at Concacaf, are with them. Families and young children have been displaced and lost everything and for this to happen during a global pandemic makes it even more worrying for them.

“At Concacaf, we are offering direct support through our member associations in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. We are also raising awareness of UNICEF’s excellent work to ensure emergency supplies are provided to those communities most in need. We know that many fans from across the region will tonight and tomorrow tune in to big Scotiabank Concacaf League games involving Honduras clubs C.D. Marathon, FC Motagua and C.D. Olimpia. We will use those games and our platforms to support and amplify UNICEF’s crucial operations on the ground.”

(Concacaf)