A website claiming to run a charitable foundation in memory of Diogo Jota has suddenly disappeared after being exposed as having no connection to either his family or Liverpool Football Club as reported by The Telegraph.
The so-called Diogo Jota Foundation was launched just three days after the striker’s tragic death, and it claimed to have already raised more than $64,000 (£47,700) in donations. However, neither Liverpool nor Jota’s family had any knowledge of its existence.
Website Shut Down After Scrutiny
The site — diogojotafoundation.org — has now been stripped of nearly all content, leaving behind only a donation search bar. Before vanishing, the platform directed users to make donations exclusively in cryptocurrency such as USDT and Ethereum, processed through a third-party payment system.
Logos of respected organisations including Liverpool FC, UNICEF, Allianz, and the Portuguese Platform of Development NGOs were also displayed on the website. But three of those groups confirmed they had no affiliation with the foundation and had not granted permission for their branding to be used.
No Official Registration
Checks revealed the foundation had not applied for official charity status with the Charity Commission. Although it listed offices in London, New York, and Lisbon, the only working contact was a UK mobile number — which ignored calls and messages. Emails to the listed contact address also went unanswered.
Promises That Never Existed
The foundation’s homepage had presented itself as a heartfelt mission to “honour the legacy of Diogo Jota,” boasting of football camps, scholarships, and community programmes. It even claimed to have distributed 25,000 meals, supported 300 schoolchildren, and created 50 partnerships — achievements that cannot be verified.
It also featured fabricated quotes, including one attributed to Jota himself about “giving back through football,” and another from a supposed family friend praising his generosity.
Liverpool FC confirmed both the club and Jota’s family had no ties to the foundation. The club reminded fans that any donations or tributes should be directed through the official LFC Foundation, which has already committed to launching a grassroots football programme in Jota’s name.
Fans who wish to honour Jota can also do so by purchasing shirts with Diogo J. 20 printed in official Liverpool stores or online, with proceeds going directly to the LFC Foundation.
How Fans Can Avoid Getting Scammed by Fake Charities
When emotions are high, especially after losing someone loved in the football community, it’s easy for scammers to prey on goodwill. Here are some ways to stay safe while still supporting genuine causes:
1. Check Official Sources First
Always confirm through trusted platforms — like a player’s verified social media accounts, Liverpool FC’s official website, or known charities (like the LFC Foundation). If it’s not mentioned there, be cautious.
2. Be Wary of New Websites
Scammers often set up websites quickly after tragic events. A good sign of legitimacy is a track record: official charities usually have a history, news coverage, or recognition from trusted organisations.
3. Look for Charity Registration Numbers
In the UK, all registered charities have a Charity Commission number that you can search online. No number? That’s a red flag.
4. Watch Out for Crypto-Only Payments
While some organisations accept cryptocurrency, most established charities will also allow donations via secure, traditional methods (credit card, bank transfer, PayPal). If it’s crypto-only, be extra careful.
5. Check the Partnerships Claimed
If a site displays logos of well-known organisations (like UNICEF or Liverpool FC), verify those partnerships directly through the official sites of those organisations.
6. Trust Your Gut
If something feels rushed, vague, or “too perfect,” pause before donating. Real charities are transparent about who runs them and where the money goes.
7. Support Through Official Club Channels
If you want to honour a player like Jota, the safest way is through official club initiatives — such as the LFC Foundation — or charities publicly endorsed by the player’s family.
