World stars defy FIFA, play in banned Kuwait
Kuwait City, Kuwait (AFP)-Kuwait on Friday staged an exhibition game
with the participation of former international stars despite being
suspended by world football's governing body FIFA.

Football Champions Tour Legends (L) and Kuwait all-stars
team (R) pose for a group picture ahead of their friendly
ceremonial match on December 18, 2015, as part of the
inauguration ceremony for the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad
International Stadium in Kuwait City. AFP |
FIFA last week sent a global alert to all members warning them to
keep their players away from the 'All Stars' game in Kuwait because of
its suspension.
A number of currently active players like former England midfielder
Steven Gerrard and Italy's Andrea Pirlo dropped plans to play in the
game apparently because of the warning.
FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have both
suspended Kuwait because of alleged government interference in the Gulf
state's sport.
Even the United Nations has become involved in the showdown.
England's David Beckham, Portugal's Luis Figo and Brazilian former
Barcelona star Ronaldinho were among those who did take part in the game
between a Kuwait team and the international select played in a
jam-packed stadium.
Other stars who played in the game included Michel Salgado and Carles
Puyol of Spain, Jamie Carragher and David James of England and the
Italian trio of Alessandro Nesta, Gianluca Zambrotta and Alessandro Del
Piero.
Former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos, Portugal's
Deco, Ukraine's Andriy Shevchenko and Robert Pires of France also played
along with former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, Dwight Yorke and
Egypt's Mohammed Aboutrika.
The game, shortened to just 75 minutes, ended in a 4-2 win for Kuwait
with Figo and Pires scoring for the international team, both from
Beckham crosses.
It was played to inaugurate the 60,000 capacity Jaber Stadium, the
emirate's biggest and the second in the Gulf after the King Fahad
stadium in Riyadh.
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah led the country's
leadership and top officials to the colourful ceremony that included a
musical concert by top Gulf singers and spectacular fireworks and laser
displays that lit the skies over the oval-shaped stadium.
Kuwait's suspension in October means it is "no longer entitled to
take part in international matches and/or competitions until the
relevant suspension is no longer in force," said the FIFA notice.
It added that FIFA registered clubs and players "may not entertain
sporting contact with the suspended FIFA member association."
The world body had also written to the Kuwait Football Association
warning that the match needed FIFA approval.
The game was officiated by German referee Markus Merk after Italy's
Pierluigi Collina did not come.
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