Fury at Wembley’s clash with ’66 event
WEMBLEY telecom sponsors EE have caused upset because their annual game at the stadium featuring former stars and YouTube footballers clashes with a charity match.
The Remembering Bally game at Goodison Park on October 7 is to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Everton legend and 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball. The funds will go to charity, including hard-up families of the ’66 squad, with the match being organised by Ball’s son Jimmy.
EE’s Wembley Cup, kicking off at the same time, features David James, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Emile Heskey and Robbie Savage. Many are unhappy that Wembley would rather host a commercial event on that day.
Jimmy Ball wrote on Twitter about the six big names taking part: ‘Shame they’d rather do this than help raise money for real heroes and some great charities.’ Former Everton and Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell tweeted: ‘I can’t believe they have not prioritised this event. Only one World Cup win ever and neglected. Very poor.’
The FA say the Wembley match had been scheduled a long time in advance. RUGBY UnIOn’S old boy network is alive and flourishing at the top of the sport. This allows John Spencer, having pocketed a six-figure salary for two years as British and Lions tour manager for a six-week trip to new Zealand, to move seamlessly on to become the latest RFU president.
Spencer combined marrying fourth wife Amanda at the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower during the 2011 World Cup with his International Rugby Board commitments.
FILED accounts for the Wayne Rooney Foundation reveal the charity’s managing director was paid £68,000-a-year — well below the market rate — to organise a testimonial match that raised £1,621,957.