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FIFA and UEFA are planning to hold a match, the proceeds of which will be donated to countries affected by the tsunami in South and Southeast Asia.
It is expected to take place on February 15th in Barcelona, at the "Camp Nou" stadium, with many famous European and world stars playing. The players will be divided into two teams, captained by a Brazilian star from "Barcelona" and a Ukrainian player, this year's winner of the Best European Player of the Year award, Andrei Shevchenko, playing for "AC Milan."
"Like people all over the world, the 'football family,' encompassing the whole world, is ready to do everything to help individuals and football communities that have been touched by the terrible tragedy in Asia," said FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter. "The match, called 'Football for Hope,' is a symbol of the solidarity and help that is so needed right now."
UEFA president and FIFA vice president Lennart Johansson also expressed words of support. "The tragedy that shook the countries bordering the Indian Ocean has sparked a huge wave of support worldwide. Football organizations are also contributing to this," he said.
Ronaldinho and Shevchenko also expressed their enthusiasm for this match and their desire to help those affected by the disaster. "Like people all over the world, we also felt the cruelty of the tsunami. The victims are in despair and they need our help," they said in a joint statement. "Football is a game that provides moments of enthusiasm, beauty, and joy. It is very difficult to find such things in devastated countries at the moment, so we hope that this match and the funds raised during it will help people rebuild their homes and lives."
