The world’s biggest charity football match, Soccer Aid for Unicef, will return to Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford, this September.
Due to lockdown restrictions the match will be played behind closed doors, but the game will be broadcast live on ITV and STV.
As Coronavirus is the biggest global crisis for vulnerable children and families since the Second World War, the two teams, England and Soccer Aid World XI FC, will come together to ‘Play for Generation Covid’.
The money raised helps children to get the best start in life, but this year it will also help stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on their lives through the provision of clean water and lifesaving vaccinations.
Both the UK government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have pledged to double donations from the British public, which means every £1 donated until 6th October 2020 will become £3.
The star-studded line-ups will be announced in due course, along with the other elements of the live show.
Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, said: “COVID-19 is disrupting vaccine programmes across the world, risking the resurgence of deadly diseases like measles and polio.
“That’s why this year’s Soccer Aid for Unicef is so vital, raising funds to help us continue to protect children from deadly diseases.
“It will also help Gavi and UNICEF ensure COVID-19 vaccines are available to the poorest countries. As long as this disease is circulating anywhere it remains a threat everywhere.”
Soccer Aid for Unicef will air on ITV and STV in September.