FIFA Faces Controversy Over Royalties from Shakira’s 2010 World Cup Hit

Fifteen years have passed since South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup. Despite the time gone by, FIFA is still facing issues related to that event.

Details: According to The Times, FIFA earned about seven million pounds from Shakira’s anthem “Waka Waka,” the tournament’s signature song. This money was supposedly set aside for the construction of 20 centers as part of the 2010 World Cup legacy project.

However, the South African band Freshlyground, who worked with Shakira and performed at the World Cup, claims they cannot find out where the money went. Sony, the rights holder of the song, also tried to get clarity but has received no response from FIFA.

FIFA maintains that the funds were used as planned. While some of the money was invested in football infrastructure across five countries, the charity foundation created by FIFA to handle these funds was closed in 2014.

Reminder: Spain won the 2010 World Cup, beating the Netherlands in the final.