Soccer Aid for UNICEF returns for its 2021 edition today with a star-studded line-up for its annual charity event. Created by Robbie Williams 15 years ago, this year’s competition between the England and World XI teams will take place at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. This year marks the 10th Soccer Aid for UNICEF game, which sees professionals and celebrities competing alongside each other in an 11-a-side 90-minute stint.
Stars playing for England this year include Olly Murs, Mark Wright, Sir Mo Farah, Gary Neville, Wayne Roone, Jamie Redknapp, Joel Dommett and James Arthur.
Stars playing for the World XI team include Usain Bolt, Ken Cetinay, Lee Mack, Wes Morgan, Chelcee Grimes, Ore Oduba, Big Zuu and Ingrid Moe Wold.
The charity football match kicks off at 7:30pm this evening, but coverage starts on ITV at 6:30pm.
While this year’s event seems to be running smoothly, last year was far from plain-sailing after Ivorian football coach and former player Yaya Touré made an inappropriate joke in a Whatsapp group with other players.
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As well as joking about bringing sex workers to the hotel, he also posted a pornographic video of a naked woman in a bath in the chat, which was later deleted.
His teammates were said to be “disgusted” and complained to Soccer Aid.
As a result, ITV had him booted off the side.
Mr Touré apologised in the group and also publicly apologised for the messages on Twitter.
“It’s sad to see an inappropriate joke I made attract the attention which should be fully devoted to the beauty of the charity game.
“Regardless of the circumstances, I want to take full responsibility.
“I am a grown man who should not be engaged in such jokes.
“I am very sorry for my mistake and wish everyone all the best with Soccer Aid on Sunday in raising awareness and funds for important causes.”
Mr Touré is currently an assistant coach of Russian club Akhmat Grozny.
He previously played both international and club football, including with Barcelona for three years and Manchester City for eight years from 2010-2018.
He finally hung up his boots last year and went into coaching.
Soccer Aid this year is welcoming some of the sport’s legends to its managing teams.
The England side boast David Seaman, Micah Richarsd and Sven-Göran Eriksson, while the World XI managers are Harry Redknapp, Judy Murray and Robbie Keane.
Demot O’Leary and Alex Scott are proceeding the coverage, with Maya Jama as a pundit
This year, every donation to Soccer Aid for UNICEF is being matched by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, helping to support the health and nutrition of children around the world, up to £6.3million and until November 30.