Football is a platform for humanitarian advocacy. Over the past few months, Pep Guardiola has been seen wearing a hoodie with the logo of the Spanish NGO ‘Open Arms’ (dedicated to protecting vulnerable lives in emergency situations) prominently displayed during the televised matches of Manchester City. He does this to support the objectives of Open Arms and “to protect the life of the most vulnerable in emergency situations.”
Pep Guardiola ex Barcelona and Manchester City manager wears Open Arms logo Hoodie (from The Athletic).
Originally a sea rescue company with over 20 years of experience on the Spanish coasts, Open Arms focuses on saving those abandoned in international waters while fleeing war, persecution, and poverty, collaborating with healthcare and frontline research teams to face emergencies or any other kind of crisis that requires immediate action.
But Pep Guardiola’s support is not simply a fashion statement. He lives by such values and often calls to action publicly:
“The work that Open Arms does is extraordinary... So many of those who are seeking refuge from war, poverty and persecution continue to find themselves in unimaginably difficult situations, often suffering illness, separation from family and, in many cases, loss of life. Open Arms has built a framework to protect these displaced people, both in the emergency stage when they are at sea but also in educating and supporting them on land. I want to do all I can to help ensure that the valuable work continues.” (Guardiola told The Athletic on Febuary 2021).
The support for Open Arms within the football community is widespread. Legendary figures like Xavi Hernández, Carles Puyol, and Andrés Iniesta have championed the cause, and the FC Barcelona Foundation has provided direct funding for their programs. This collective effort highlights how the sport can mobilize resources and attention toward the Acceptance of the Rights of Others — a core pillar of positive peace (IEP).
Beyond individual endorsements, football has solidified its association with refugee support through large-scale partnerships. Amnesty International’s “Football Welcomes Refugees” program is a prime example of this commitment. In January 2021, the Football Association (FA), in partnership with Amnesty, launched a guide and online training series (which you can find here) specifically designed to increase refugee women’s participation in grassroots football. These initiatives help build Good Relations with Neighbours by using the “universal language” of the game to integrate displaced people into their new communities.
Support the Cause: You can join the movement and support the vital work of Open Arms. Click here to find out more, buy an Open Arms hoodie like Pep and be cool while helping protect lives at sea and on land.
Comments