Football is set to be used to help promote sustainable social development around the world after governing body FIFA teamed up with six partners to develop a range of projects.

FIFA has joined forces with kit supplier Adidas; soft drink company Coca-Cola; South Korea-based car manufacturer Hyundai/Kia; Emirates; credit card company Visa and electronics firm Sony to strengthen its social responsibility schemes. The Football for Hope initiative, which recently saw the unveiling of a football centre in Khayelitsha, South Africa, will be one of the main programmes to benefit from the new bilateral approach.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: "This strategic new area of activity reinforces the important cooperation between FIFA and its partners. What is more, it provides our partners with the ideal platform to sustainably strengthen our joint mission to 'build a better future."