The first Transplant Football World Cup 2024 took place in the popular seaside town of Cervia, Italy from 8 – 14 September 2024, bringing together member countries from around the world to celebrate the Gift of Life, through the beautiful game.
Modelled on the FIFA World Cup, this inaugural tournament brought transplant and bone marrow recipients from 11 nations (Australia, Chile, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Northern Ireland, Romania, Spain, USA and Wales), to compete in a 7-a-side format to crown an International Champion. All matches were refereed by AiCS officials, with special rules designed to protect the health of the players.
The press conference kicked things off with inspiring speeches from key figures, including representatives from AiCS and ANED, as well as local and regional officials. WTGF Football Commission Chair Kate Clark, a liver transplant recipient, moved the audience with her testimony, stating, “The athletes participating in this event exemplifies the second chance at life that organ donation provides. Their determination and sportsmanship remind us of the profound impact that one persons decision to donate can have on the lives of many.”
The tournament commended with a vibrant Opening Ceremony at Cervia Sport Hall, where athletes proudly marched under their national flags, setting the stage for an emotional and thrilling week of competition. WTGF Vice President Gerardo Reyna delivered an inspiring speech, reminding players they were not only competing for victory but also honoring their donors and the miracle of transplantation. The excitement soared as freestyle football legend Antonio Colella showcased his incredible skills, adding to the event’s energy. Reyna’s words echoed the event’s spirit: “You are here as champions of life, showing the world what transplant recipients can achieve.”
Tribute was paid to two individuals whose legacy continues to inspire transplant football. Matty Hempstalk, a kidney recipient, was instrumental in developing Australia’s transplant football program, while Andre Lassooij, a double lung recipient and former WTGF trustee, believed in showcasing that recipients can achieve anything. His vision was to help the transplant community reconnect with the sport they love. Special thanks were also given to all those who worked tirelessly to bring this historic tournament to life, making it a remarkable success.
The competition format consisted of two groups – Group A with six teams and Group B with five – determined during a live draw earlier in the week. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout rounds, while the remaining teams competed for placement positions 5 through 11.
All 11 competing nations took to the field in 5 thrilling days of football, representing not just their countries but also their donors in the spirit of second chances. Over 300 people were present, including about 200 transplanted footballers (men and women of all ages), supporters, 40 volunteers, four doctors, and ten physiotherapists.
All matches were streamed live on the Transplant World Games Federation’s YouTube channel, with a play-by-play feature available through the Live Bomber app which assigned key moments to players. Among the most emotional moments was the “Match of the Gift,” played between volunteers, AiCS staff, and a team of all participants in the World Cup.
After a series of intense matches, Chile claimed the World Cup Champion title after a thrilling final against Spain, who took second place. England secured third place, with France finishing fourth.
The rankings continued with Italy in fifth, followed by Ireland (6th), Australia (7th), Wales (8th), USA (9th), Northern Ireland (10th), and Romania (11th).
Special awards were presented with Patricio “Pato” Lillo from Chile receiving the Best Player (Golden Boot) award, Djamel Lachi from France honored as Top Scorer, and Juan José Fernández from Spain named Best Goalkeeper. Australia was recognized with the Fair Play Award for their outstanding sportsmanship.
The World Cup also featured a Scientific Conference, where experts discussed the impact of physical activity on post-transplant recovery and the role of sport in enhancing quality of life.
The Closing Ceremony concluded the success of the first Transplant Football World Cup, with athletes, supporters, and staff reflecting on the unforgettable moments of the tournament. Life after transplantation holds no limits and recipients can thrive through community and an active lifestyle.
AiCS President Bruno Molea commented, “Sport has the power to deliver important messages. In this case, it combines the promotion of organ donation and shows its power not only as an educational but also a ‘healing’ tool.”
The Transplant Football World Cup was promoted by the World Transplant Games Federation, organized by AiCS – Associazione Italiana Cultura Sport, and made possible thanks to the Ministry for Sport and Youth through the Department for Sport. The event was co-funded by the Paralympic Committee and held in collaboration with Aned Onlus, under the patronage of the Municipality of Cervia, the Emilia Romagna Region, CRT-ER Transplant Reference Center Emilia Romagna, and the DIMEC Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Unibo. Supported by Beyfin Spa. Media partners: Radio Bruno and Corriere Romagna. Photo Credits to Riccardo Gallini.
View all the tournament images and highlights on the AiCS website here: https://www.aics.it/transplant-football-world-cup-2024-tutte-le-notizie/