Shakira 2010 World Cup theme song royalties are unknown, FIFA says they are not corrupt

FIFA is under pressure to explain how the millions of pounds of royalties for Shakira's 2010 World Cup song "WakaWaka" (This Time For Africa) is used, according to the latest report by Martyn Ziegler, chief reporter of the Times.

Sony Music said that the song's proceeds have been transferred to FIFA, but South African band Freshlyground, who participated in the recording and sang the song on the same stage with Shakira at the World Cup, said they could not find out where the funds were going, especially the amount FIFA has received over the past decade.

There is currently no indication that FIFA has misappropriated or abused the money.

It is estimated that the amount is at least 7 million pounds. It is understood that Sony has also tried many times to negotiate with FIFA on this matter, but none of them succeeded. A spokesperson for Sony Music told the column: "For the past 15 years, Sony Music has been paying and will continue to pay designated royalties for the World Cup version of WakaWaka, and FIFA is responsible for overseeing the distribution of the funds to selected charities by the repertoire artists."

Although the money is used to build football facilities in 15 countries, the charity established by FIFA is responsible for allocating the funds seems to have been closed in 2014.

However, FIFA said it will continue to support the 20 centres built as part of the 2010 World Cup aftermath. FIFA said in a statement: "[our] total investment in the construction of these centers and support for these organizations is much higher than the royalty revenue FIFA has earned from the 2010 FIFA World Cup soundtrack."

WakaWaka has been a popular football song for 15 years and has been adapted into stands by many clubs.