Soccer Aid for Unicef 2020 takes place this September behind closed doors at Old Trafford as Patrice Evra became the latest star to join up.
The original event was postponed due to Corona Virus and details of the re-arranged fixture – slated to take place in September and broadcast on ITV/STV – will be released in due course.
The match will follow the strictest of health and safety protocols in line with government advice and Premier League guidelines.
And some new faces are expected to make their debuts for the Soccer Aid World XI FC including comedian Jason Manford, rapper Santan Dave and Manchester United legend Patrice Evra.
Kelly Smith MBE – who was capped over 100 times for England and represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Summer Olympics – is also playing for the first time.
Goalkeeper David James, a Premier League stalwart and ex-Manchester City, will join Kelly in representing England alongside Joe Wicks, Olly Murs, while Kem Cetinay, who scored a wondergoal at last year’s Stamford Bridge clash, is also returning to pull on the Soccer Aid World XI FC shirt alongside Manchester City legend Yaya Toure.
Speaking about the forthcoming event, Kelly Smith MBE said: “It’s an honour to be asked to play in Soccer Aid for Unicef.
“I was delighted to see female players playing in the game for the first time last year and now I get my chance to pull on the England shirt again.
“I loved representing the Lionesses during my career and I’m really looking forward to doing it again at Old Trafford.
“It’s fantastic that we’re able to get the game back on and help Unicef stop coronavirus making life even tougher for vulnerable children and families around the world.
“I’d urge people to watch the show because together we’re playing for generation covid and raising vital funds in the process.”
Patrice Evra said: “I can’t wait to get back to Old Trafford, my home-from-home!
“It will be a strange experience to play at that amazing stadium without the fans, but I am really proud to be involved and that we’re able to still put on a show for the millions of people who will be watching at home.
“We know that you’ll be with us all in spirit. It’s really important we can play this match because not only does it give people something to look forward to, but it’s a chance for us all to help Unicef stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on children’s lives.”
Yaya Touré said: “I am really looking forward to playing in Soccer Aid again and returning to Manchester.
“I loved playing last time and it was fantastic to see such a huge amount of money raised to help Unicef.
“This year, it is even more important that we put on a good show to help Unicef fight against coronavirus, which has affected children around the world.
“I am looking forward to seeing some of my old friends, wearing the Soccer Aid World XI FC shirt and hopefully keeping the title.”
This year’s teams of celebrities and former professional footballers will ‘Play for Generation Covid’, to help stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on children’s lives.
As supporters will be unable to attend this year’s game, anyone who has already purchased tickets for the original match, through official Manchester United ticketing channels, will automatically receive a full refund which will be processed from Monday 17 August (and may take up to 7 days to complete).
Alternatively, ticket holders are being encouraged to consider donating the value of their ticket and make triple the impact to Unicef – a £20 donation becomes £60 thanks to the UK government and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. An email on how to make this donation has been sent to all ticket holders.