Traditional football powers Real Madrid and Roma today met United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the eve of their friendly to benefit the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Ambassador Inocencio Arias, Permanent Representative of Spain, introduced Real Madrid to the Secretary-General, while Roma was presented by Ambassador Pier Benedettto Francese, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy.
Tomorrow's match at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, between the European clubs is intended to raise money for the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The UN and the independent Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which became operational this year, will share part of the gate receipts.
Mr. Annan is expected to make opening remarks at the match along with New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey. The Associate Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Zéphirin Diabré, is also scheduled to attend.
Mr. Annan has applauded the spirit of partnership represented by the match, bringing together the teams and the state authorities. "Successful responses to AIDS have taught us a profound lesson," he said. "Change comes when all sectors working together make a determined effort to win the battle."
Real Madrid, celebrating its centenary this year, and Roma include many stars from the recent 2002 World Cup, including UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Zinédine Zidane of France. Others on the roster are Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, Raul Gonzalez, Gabriel Omar Batistuta, Cafu and Francesco Totti.