The SMHSC scheme is to be rolled out in select nations in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe.

These are Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Namibia, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia and Uganda in Africa; Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq in Asia; Colombia and Ecuador in South America; Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia and Serbia in Europe.

Funding for initiatives will vary between €10,000 (£8,500/$11,600) and €30,000 (£25,500/$34,700).

Projects are to target vulnerable groups such as children, women and refugees, particularly those affected by the pandemic.

Mental health, well-being and social cohesion are to be the main focuses and projects will be deployed for a maximum of six months, starting in January 2022.

Although football will be prioritised, initiatives based around other sports are eligible for assistance.

"We are proud to enter into this partnership once again with AFD and this time with the contribution GIZ as a new partner," said FIFA chief member associations officer Kenny Jean-Marie.

"It gives us the opportunity to reach new regions of the world and to benefit from new expertise.

"It is important for FIFA to continue such initiatives that allow us to respond to one of the objectives of our vision which is to impact society through the power of football. 

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, FIFA has not hesitated to support this social cohesion programme, the objective of which is to reach out to more vulnerable communities. 

"We want to be truly global and want to leave no one behind."

Non-government organisation La Guilde Européenne du Raid has been enlisted to implement the programme.

Approximately 10 to 15 projects are to be selected - with at least one in the regions of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and the Balkans - and they are expected to be announced by mid-December.