A website raising money for a charitable “foundation” that was set up in the name of late Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota has disappeared after it emerged that the organisation had no connection to either Liverpool FC or Jota’s family.
The Diogo Jota Foundation, set up three days after the Portuguese footballer died in a car crash in July, described itself on its now-defunct website as being founded “to continue Diogo’s legacy by opening doors for underprivileged youth”.
The Telegraph reported that the organisation claimed to be raising money for work with “underprivileged youth”, including the operation of free football training camps, as well as the provision of scholarships and academic resources to support young people outside of football.
The website also featured logos for Liverpool FC, UNICEF, Allianz and the Portuguese Platform of Development NGOs, three of which told the newspaper it was doing so without their knowledge.
It listed donations of $64,250 (£47,715), according to the Telegraph, with the website’s donation page taking users through to an off-site platform, which appeared to only allow donations in the form of cryptocurrency.
The foundation’s website has since been taken offline; there is now only a blank page with a search bar.
Regulator has no record of foundation
The Fundraising Regulator confirmed to Civil Society that it had no record of the organisation being registered with it.
A spokesperson said: “In the wake of tragedies and natural disasters, there are always some who seek to capitalise on the British public’s generosity and sympathy.
“While most charity appeals are genuine, the regulator always advises the public to exercise caution when considering making a donation to ensure that their money goes to where it is needed, and where they wish it to go.”
The regulator advised the public to check a charity’s name and registration number on the Charity Commission’s register and check that the organisation has a fundraising badge, meaning that it is registered with the Fundraising Regulator.
The Charity Commission confirmed to Civil Society that it had not received any registration applications from the Diogo Jota Foundation.
The foundation could not be contacted via its phone number or email address for comment.
