http://212.100.224.146/news/2003Oct/20031030_20535_world_soccer.html

it's always good to hear about athletes and players doing something for the better cause. cheers.

for those of you too lazy to click on the link:

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Forty of the world's top players have been invited to join Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane in a start-studded global charity match against poverty in December, the United Nations said.

The two Real Madrid stars will captain each of the sides in the game at Basel's St Jakob stadium on December 15, with profits from ticket sales, sponsorship and television rights going to fund anti-poverty projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Italian World Cup referee Pierluigi Collina has agreed to oversee the FIFA-backed match, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said in a statement.

"We invited our colleagues and friends to be on the pitch on December 15, but we want football fans and all those who care about poverty to know that we would like to see them in the stands in Basel at 8:00 pm," Zidane said on Thursday.

The France midfielder and Brazil striker are both goodwill ambassadors for UNDP.

"It's a real thrill to have my friends join me to raise awareness and take a stand against the deprivation that plagues one fifth of the world's population," said Ronaldo.

Invitations went out in the past day to a host of top-flight players from around the world, including the duo's Real Madrid colleagues David Beckham, Roberto Carlos and Luis Figo, Bayern Munich's Michael Ballack, Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistlerooy, Thierry Henry of Arsenal and Lazio's Dino Baggio, a UNDP spokeswoman said.

German Formula One world champion and amateur player Michael Schumacher will also make a guest appearance.

"Schumacher is confirmed, he's the only non (professional) football player due to take part," spokeswoman Aziyade Poltier Mutal added.

At least 500,000 euros (580,000 dollars) should be raised from ticket sales at the 30,000 capacity ground alone after the Basel stadium managers waived most fees, she said.

More funds were expected from television rights and sponsorship deals being negotiated by marketing company Starzone.

The match will take place a few hours after world football governing body FIFA unveils its player of the year at the annual World Players' Gala in Zurich, about 70 kilometres (43 miles) away.

Transport will be on hand to ferry players to the ground, a FIFA spokesman said.

"This match against poverty is remarkable because the wish to organise it came from two of the most oustanding players in the world, both former winners of the World Player Award," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said.

Wow, that is fantastic. :)(Y)

It will definetely turn-out to be a success.

I wonder if Sky will get a TV-deal going for it, they didn't for the Figo foundation charity match, good luck and all the best in their cause.

Thats good to hear them doing something good. I hope i get the see the match or goals at least. Hopefully Galavision will show this match like they showed the figo match

:) This is a great deed by Zizou and Ronaldo. It's good to see players do such things like this once and a while.

It's always good when athletes give back and do something to help out in the world.

Love to see Zizou and ronnie do that
Great class

I hope we get the greatest in the world to help Charity as much as possible:rockman:

anyone know when the team list is coming out?

yea thats good stuff when players do this.

aww that's touching! it just gets me right here *points between legs* :confused: i mean heart. :rolleyes: :kader: :crazyboy: :ewan: :jap: