A star-studded lineup of international footballers has been announced to play a #FootballForFires bushfire fundraiser match on May 23 at ANZ Stadium to honour volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the match will help raise incredibly important money for football clubs around the State.
“Football stars from across the globe are lining up to be part of this fantastic match to raise funds to help restore football facilities damaged by the fires,” said Mr Barilaro.
“If everyone gets behind it, this match has the potential to raise millions of dollars. Profits from ticket sales as well as donations will go directly to the cause, and the NSW Government will waive the venue fee and donate all food and beverage profits.
“Our regional communities have been outstanding in these emergency situations over the past few months and we need to be as bold in our recovery effort as they have been in the face of disaster.”
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the world game is bringing the world’s best to Sydney to unite in this blockbuster bushfire relief match.
“We want football fans to pack the house to watch all the stars come out to play including former Socceroos Mark Bosnich, John Aloisi and Mark Milligan plus David Trezeguet, Park Ji-sung and Didier Drogba,” said Mr Lee.
“The Firefighters All Stars will play the SES All Stars, competing for the Football For Fires Cup.
“The match is on the same day as England’s FA Cup Final, ensuring international interest and the chance for football fans in the UK and worldwide to donate.”
Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott said all service members and volunteers in attendance will do a pre-match lap of honour, as Australia says thank you.
“The teamwork and incredible attitude of our volunteers has been admired around the world and to have football superstars travel to Australia to honour them like this will be awesome and truly well deserved,” said Mr Elliott.
FFA Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said he was delighted that football had come together for this very special occasion.
“The thoughts of the entire football family have been with the victims of these terrible bushfires and we now we have this important opportunity to harness the power of our global sport, raise funds for our local devastated communities, and honour the brave men and women who have put their own lives at risk during this unprecedented natural disaster,” said Mr Johnson.
Erin Pogmore, Managing Director of NSW SES Volunteers Association said the match will bring together thousands of volunteers from all areas of Australia.
"The brave volunteers involved in the bushfire crisis have worked tirelessly and selflessly, and our members are proud to be honoured with this fundraising match."
Tickets are available from Thursday, with tickets starting from $29 and family tickets from $59. More than 40,000 seats will be made available at these affordable prices.
MEDIA: Georgina Kentwell ǀ Deputy Premier ǀ 0427 206 308
Nick Marshall-McCormack | Minister Lee | 0448 725 289
Shae McLaughlin | Minister Elliott | 0439 824 831
The first release of players for #FootballForFires at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, 23 May 2020 is:
Didier Drogba– IVORY COAST 105 Caps - Chelsea, Galatasaray, Montreal Impact
David Trezeguet – FRANCE 71 Caps - Monaco, Juventus, River Plate
Dwight Yorke – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 74 Caps - Manchester United, Aston Villa, Sydney FC
Claudio Marchisio – ITALY 55 Caps - Juventus
Dario Simic – CROATIA 100 Caps - Inter Milan, AC Milan, Dinamo Zagreb, Monaco
John Aloisi – AUSTRALIA 55 Caps - Coventry City, Cremonese, Osasuna, Sydney FC
Dwayne De Rosario – CANADA 81 Caps - Toronto, San Jose, New York Red Bull
Ji-Sung Park – SOUTH KOREA 100 Caps- Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven
Simon Colosimo – AUSTRALIA 26 Caps - Carlton, Manchester City, Perth Glory, Sydney FC
Tore Andre Flo – NORWAY 76 Caps - Chelsea, Rangers, Sunderland, Leeds United
Alecko Eskandarian – USA 1 Cap - DC United, Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, Chivas
Mark Bosnich – AUSTRALIA 17 Caps - Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea
Con Boutsianis – AUSTRALIA 4 Caps - South Melbourne, Heidelberg, Perth Glory
Pedro Mendes – PORTUGAL 11 Caps - Porto, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Rangers
Le Cong Vinh - VIETNAM – 83 Caps - Song Lam Nghe An, Consadole Sapporo
Emile Heskey – ENGLAND 62 Caps - Leicester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle Jets
Michael Bridges – ENGLAND - Sunderland, Leeds United, Newcastle Jets
Geremi – CAMEROON 118 Caps – Real Madrid, Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United
Stephen Appiah – GHANA 67 Caps – Fenerbahce, Udinese, Juventus, Vojvodina
Rustu Recber – TURKEY 120 Caps – Fenerbahce, Barcelona, Besiktas, Antalyaspor
Mark Milligan – AUSTRALIA 80 Caps – Sydney FC, JEF United Chiba, Melbourne Victory, Hibernian