The charitable organisation established by Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has been officially wound up and struck off, the Mirror can exclusively reveal.
The Diogo Jota Foundation, registered in 2022 with the aim of supporting underprivileged children in both his home nation of Portugal and his adopted Merseyside home, has been formally dissolved. This decisive action comes in the wake of a serious complaint regarding the foundation's financial management, which subsequently triggered a police inquiry.
From High Hopes to Sudden Collapse
Launched with immense promise and positive publicity, the foundation was meant to be a lasting legacy for the footballer's philanthropic efforts. Its sudden dissolution marks a dramatic and unexpected fall from grace. The closure was initiated not by Jota himself, but by an application from the foundation's own directors, leading to its compulsory strike-off from the UK's Companies House register.
A Shadow of Investigation
The foundation's operations were plunged into uncertainty following a formal complaint about its financial affairs. The nature of the complaint, which has not been disclosed in full detail, was serious enough to warrant the involvement of Merseyside Police. While the force confirmed it had received a report and conducted an initial assessment, it has since stated that "no further police action" will be taken, citing the matter as "not a police incident."
Despite this, the damage was done. The cloud of investigation and the original complaint proved insurmountable for the foundation's future, leading its directors to make the difficult decision to close its doors for good.
Future of Jota's Philanthropy Unclear
The dissolution leaves major questions unanswered about the specific nature of the financial complaint and what ultimately led to the directors' decision to shut down the entire operation. It also casts doubt on the future of Jota's charitable endeavours, which had been a significant part of his public profile off the pitch.
For now, a project that began with the goal of helping vulnerable children has ended abruptly, its website and social media presence erased, leaving behind a narrative of promise unfulfilled.
