Barcelona, Manchester City to meet in friendly charity match

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Barcelona and Manchester City are teaming up to stage a charity football match, the Spanish club confirmed on Monday.

The clash will be played at Camp Nou, 7 p.m. GMT on Aug. 24 in honor of Barcelona legend Juan Carlos Unzue, who has been battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for over two years.

"This is a fundraiser for charity, an initiative by former goalkeeper and coach Juan Carlos Unzue, who was diagnosed with the incurable degenerative neurological condition ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) just over two years ago," Barca said in a statement.

Barcelona added that the main target is to fill the stadium and raise as many funds as possible for the fight against ALS.

The clash was originally scheduled for last year, but was postponed due to the pandemic and attendance restrictions.

"Being more than a club means nothing if it doesn't involve commitment to society, democracy, the country and globality. We have an extraordinary opportunity to send an image to the world," Barcelona president Joan Laporta said.

The tickets went on sale on Barcelona's website on Monday, with prices ranging from €19 ($20) for standard seats to €99 for VIP spots.