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« Pure , Pure Hope » “” benefit match to be played in Barcelona on 15 February

As announced last Friday, FIFA and UEFA have joined forces to organise a “Football for Hope” match in aid of the victims of the tsunami that devastated South and Southeast Asia and parts of Africa on 26 December. The match will take place at the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona on 15 February (kick-off 21.00h CET).

The cream of world football will grace the two teams taking part: the first led by FIFA World Player 2004 , the other by European Footballer of the Year 2004 . The Brazilian impresario’s side will be “coached” by (Brazil) and (Netherlands), while (Italy) and Arsene Wenger () will take charge of the Ukrainian striker's line-up.

The list of players will be confirmed in due course.

All proceeds from the “Football for Hope” match will be donated to the FIFA/AFC Tsunami Solidarity Fund, which has been set up jointly by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). FC Barcelona has made its home stadium available for the event free of charge.

“Just like the rest of the international community, the worldwide football family is determined to do everything possible to help the individuals and football associations that have been so severely affected by the terrible tsunami tragedy. The ‘Football for Hope’ match is a symbol of the outpouring of solidarity within our game. It comes in addition to countless other initiatives that have already begun, through which the game of football is seeking to offer some hope to those in need," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

UEFA President and FIFA vice-president added: “The tragedy that has struck the nations around the Indian Ocean has provoked an unprecedented outpouring of solidarity around the globe. The football community has a duty to be a party to this overwhelming demonstration of human togetherness. The emotional nature of these efforts is amplified by the role football plays in bringing people together, irrespective of their differences. We hope that the message of hope disseminated by the world of sport will help to alleviate the terrible suffering endured by those stricken by this disaster."

Ronaldinho and Schevchenko were also quick to express their support for the joint proposal from FIFA and UEFA: “Like people all around the world, the tsunami disaster has had a devastating impact on us. The victims are in desperate need of our help. Football is a game that offers moments of passion, beauty and joy. At this time, they are things that are very difficult to find in the afflicted areas. We had no hesitation in pledging our support for the ‘Football for Hope’ match. Through this match, we hope to be able to offer relief to the people affected and help them rebuild their homes and their lives.”

Off the pitch, the charitable efforts of the football family are continuing around the world. The football associations of India, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand are all actively involved in efforts in the disaster areas to provide aid for victims and support for the reconstruction of key installations that have been damaged or destroyed. The associations in Kenya, Seychelle s, Somalia and Tanzania are in the process of assessing the extent of damage to their respective football facilities. From its headquarters in Zurich and via regional development offices in Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), FIFA has been working with the AFC to lend its assistance. Moreover, in addition to setting up the FIFA/AFC Tsunami Solidarity Fund (http://www.fifa.com/fr/fairplay/index/0,1255,104985,00.html?articleid=104985), world football’s governing body has also started to distribute its first packages of equipment and clothing (footballs, T -shirts, caps).

Meanwhile, UEFA has pledged USD 1 million donations to the FIFA/AFC Tsunami Solidarity Fund and USD 1 million donations to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the latter to support children’s aid programmes in the regions in need.

FIFA/AFC Tsunami Solidarity Fund USD current account UBS AG, Zurich N° : 325.519.60Q Clearing number : 230 IBAN : CH210023023032551960Q Swift address: UBSW CH ZH 80A

For more information: FIFA media office – tel. : +41-43/222 72 72, fax : +41-43 222 73 73, e-mail : media@.org UEFA media office – tel. : +41-22 994 45 59, fax : +41-22 994 37 37, e-mail : media@.ch

Zurich/, 13 January 2005