FIFA is facing scrutiny, and they are asked to explain where the millions of pounds of royalties for the 2010 World Cup theme song Waka Waka, sung by Shakira, were spent. Sony Music said they had transferred all the proceeds from the song to FIFA, bu...
Sony Music said they had transferred all the proceeds from the song to FIFA, but South African band Freshlyground, who participated in the recording and performed the song on the same stage with Shakira at the World Cup, said they could never find out where the funds went, especially the copyright fees FIFA received over the past 10 years. But there is currently no evidence that FIFA has abused or mishandled the funds.
It is estimated that the money is at least 7 million pounds, and it is understood that Sony has tried to communicate with FIFA on several occasions on the matter, but has received no response. A spokesman for Sony told the Times: "For the past 15 years, Sony Music has been paying the copyright fees for the official World Cup version of Waka Waka to FIFA, which is responsible for allocating the money to the charity designated by the artists who created the track." Although the funds were used for the construction of football facilities in 15 countries, the charity established by FIFA to manage the money seems to have ceased operation in 2014. However, FIFA said they are still supporting the 20 centers built as part of the 2010 World Cup heritage project. FIFA said in a statement: "Our total investment in building and supporting the operation of these centers has far exceeded the revenue FIFA has earned through the 2010 World Cup soundtrack copyright."
15 years after the publication of "Waka Waka", the song remains a popular football song and has been adapted as a cheer for the team by many fans.
source:7m cm
