Fresh from the success of last night's benefit match between Real Madrid and Roma for the United Nations effort against HIV/AIDS, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that he would like to see similar events staged in the future.
The Secretary-General attended the friendly Thursday at Giants Stadium in New Jersey between the two European clubs, which ended in a 0-0 draw. The game raised $375,000 for the UN's fight against HIV/AIDS as well as the new Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The Secretary-General told the match's promoters, Championsworld, that he hoped to see this type of event repeated all over the world.
In response, Charlie Stillitano, head of Championsworld, said they would be interested in having an annual United Nations Cup. "We would name it for you," he told the Secretary-General, "except it would be called the Kofi Cup."
Tonight in Manchester, England, the Manchester United football team is scheduled to play Boca Juniors of Argentina in a benefit match for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).