Mainland Football officials have said that they have been humbled by the move to create a national fund that will be assisting the relief operations ongoing after the earthquake by former World Cup hero Frank van Hattum.

Van Hattum, the 1982 All Whites World Cup finals goalkeeper and current New Zealand Football (NZF) chairman, set up the new fund yesterday with $10,000 from NZF's coffers.

He could not be contacted yesterday but a NZF spokesman said the fund had been established with a view "that in the coming weeks some football people may want to help football directly with their donations".

"The exact details of what criteria will be applied and how the fund will be administered are still to be worked out, but the option is there. It might be a little early but the thought is sport will play a role in restoring normality".