The Fred Keenor Fundraising Committee is delighted to announce that Cardiff City Football Club and the Football Association of Wales have agreed to meet the remaining £14,000 needed to meet the £85,000 target.
Project manager David Craig said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Cardiff City and the Football Association have confirmed they will meet the shortfall of £14,000. This is brilliant news.
“The club, which has been hugely supporting this appeal since 2010 and we were delighted when they confirmed they would meet 50 per cent of the remaining amount.
“In addition, Jonathan Ford, Chief Executive of the FAW, has also confirmed that they will also be contributing 50 per cent. They, too, have been very supportive of the appeal.
“Both Cardiff City and the FAW have recognised that Fred Keenor is a Welsh sporting icon, captaining the club to the FA Cup triumph in 1927 – the only time the FA Cup has been taken out of England – while leading his country with distinction to the home international championships.”
David Craig, a board member of Cardiff City Supporters Trust, added: “This appeal has been very much a grassroots-led initiative and the fans of Cardiff City and Wales have been fantastic in their support for the appeal as have been a number of businesses.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to Cardiff City Supporters Club and the independent coach operators who took fans to the Carling Cup Final. They raised almost £4,500, which was superb.”
Phillip Nifield, Press Officer for the appeal and Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust, said: “It is just over two years since we officially launched the appeal and, providing there are no hiccups, the statue should be in a position to be erected in September.
“The statue is almost ready to go to the foundry and we’re sure football supporters will welcome the finished image. It will be a great landmark outside the Cardiff City Stadium.”
Cardiff council has provided £15,000 and the Welsh Government contributed £5,000. Supporters have donated varying amounts of up to £500 as well as buying the memorabilia sold in aid of the appeal.
