KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian football fans are in for an exciting fixture in April when legends of Manchester United and Liverpool take each other on in a “Battle of the Reds” charity match at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The fixture on April 27 will feature players of yesteryear like Teddy Sheringham, Jaap Stam, Steve McManaman, David James and John Arne Riise to name a few.
Speaking at a press conference today, Sheringham, who starred up front for United in the late 90s and early 2000s, said that he was looking forward to the match as it was always great coming to this part of the world.
“We have a lot of big Manchester United and Liverpool fans all around the world, but in Asia, especially, it is always great to get to see these fans, as they don’t get the chance to go to England and see us,” said Sheringham.
At the same time, Riise said that this event’s objective was to encourage and inspire Malaysian youth to chase their football dreams.
“It’s important to tell these kids or those who are coming up that, wherever you come from, you have a chance, but it requires a lot of work, but I did it so it is possible,” he said.
Organised by AllStar Sports Sdn Bhd, this charity match will see Maybank and Tune Protect Group as the joint partners, while audio-equipment manufacturer JBL, Spritzer and fresh groceries wholesaler ST Rosyam Mart are the platinum sponsors with Nuuna, an instant noodle company, as the gold sponsor.
Meanwhile, the project director of AllStar Sports, Raf Yaakob, is anticipating an overwhelming response from Malaysian football enthusiasts.
“This match between the legends of Manchester United and Liverpool will be the first of its kind. Fans will delight in witnessing their once-favourite players back in action on the field, evoking cherished memories of these all-time greats,” said Yaakob.
Tickets for the event will be available for purchase soon, with prices ranging from RM78 to RM1,888 for VIP seats.
Additionally, exclusive event merchandise will be available for purchase online.
In collaboration with this sporting event, AllStar Sports has joined hands with Persatuan WeCareJourney to launch Art for Rare, a corporate social responsibility initiative that promotes six art pieces featuring the autographs of both Sheringham and Riise to be sold to raise funds for the local non-governmental organisation.
As a gesture of commitment, the tournament’s organisers have pledged to contribute 100% of the proceeds from the sale of 376 tickets, each valued at RM108, to support Persatuan WeCareJourney. – January 24, 2024