The website of the so-called Diogo Jota Foundation has been taken down after it was revealed that neither Liverpool nor the late player’s family were aware of its existence. The controversy comes just weeks after the tragic death of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash in Spain on July 3. The loss prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football world, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé among those who honored the Portuguese forward.
How Has Liverpool Honoured Diogo Jota?
Liverpool, alongside their fans, have led tributes since Jota’s passing. In their season opener against Bournemouth, supporters from both clubs came together in a powerful display of unity. Before kickoff, the stadium was filled with the anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as banners, flags, and scarves were raised in Jota’s memory.
The Premier League champions also confirmed the retirement of Jota’s No. 20 shirt after consultations with his family. Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on the moment, saying: “The main emotion should be how impressive and powerful the tribute for Diogo was. The banner the Kop showed, the way they sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ the way they sung for Diogo throughout the game. It was all so impressive and so powerful.” Wolves, Jota’s former club, also held a tribute in his honor.
Why Did the Diogo Jota Foundation Website Vanish?
According to The Telegraph, the foundation’s website, created three days after Jota’s death, claimed to have raised $64,250 (KSh 8.3 million) exclusively through cryptocurrency donations. It also displayed the logos of Liverpool FC, UNICEF, Allianz, and the Portuguese Platform of Development NGOs, yet three of these organizations told the outlet they did not know any such foundation.
The site’s contacts went unanswered, and the UK Charity Commission confirmed no registration had been filed. Despite claiming to have provided 25,000 meals, sponsored 300 children, and formed 50 partnerships, the project has now been dismissed by both Liverpool and Jota’s family as unaffiliated.
Liverpool has since confirmed they will continue to honor Jota through the official LFC Foundation, ensuring his legacy is remembered with integrity and transparency.
By Yockshard Enyendi