UEFA president joins players in salary pledge charity

Spain and Manchester United midfielder Mata launched the programme in August alongside streetfootballworld, a group of 120 charities from 80 countries, with the donated wages helping to fund the football charities.

Ceferin, 50, who took over from the disgraced Michel Platini as the boss of European football’s governing body last year, followed more than 30 players by supporting the initiative.

“I firmly believe that football has the power to change the world and I was inspired by Juan Mata to join the Common Goal project,” the Slovenian told uefa.com.

“It’s great to see a player leading this movement because footballers have benefitted greatly from football and this way they can give something back.”

The project has been well-backed in recent weeks, with Bayern Munich’s Mats Hummels, Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, US women’s star Alex Morgan and Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann all announcing their support.

“I deeply thank Aleksander for the trust he puts in Common Goal and I can only applaud his gesture and agree with his strong conviction that football can help shape a better world,” said Mata.