Stacked with luminaries of yesteryear, the showpiece has been switched from ANZ Stadium on May 23 to Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium on October 3 in the expectation travel restrictions and social distancing measures will have been eased by then as the COVID-19 pandemic eventually wanes.
The bulk of the global stars who originally pledged to play have re-committed, with several fresh names set to be added to the list.
The brainchild of leading promoter Lou Sticca, the fixture aims to raise much-needed funds for those affected by the devastating bush fires which decimated communities during the spring and summer across Australia.
Specifically, proceeds will help restore and improve local football clubs and facilities in fire-affected areas nationwide.
Headline acts like Didier Drogba, Dwight Yorke, Claudio Marchisio, Dario Simic, David Trezeguet, Emile Heskey, and Geremi put their hands up previously for the clash which will include players 16 nations.
Coaches Guus Hiddink and Graham Arnold remain locked in, though the latter may have more pressing business to attend to should Australia’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign have resumed by then with an international window in early October.
“Communities left devastated by the Australian bushfires last summer are now dealing with the double-whammy of a global health crisis so the #FootballForFires event will take on even greater meaning and importance when it is played in October,” said Sticca.
“Thousands of Australians were planning to visit regional communities at Easter and during the winter to support the businesses so badly damaged by the bushfires, however the COVID-19 emergency has prevented this so there has been no respite in these areas.
“The collective will of players, sponsors and the football community to rally in support of those hurting most has not diminished.”
All previous ticket sales will honoured, with ANZ Stadium out of action due to the upcoming redevelopment and the award-winning Bankwest Stadium providing a boutique-sized alternative.
“There is every indication that we will have a roster of players as strong – possibly even stronger than the original squad,” added Sticca.
The two teams - the Firefighters All Stars versus SES All Stars - will compete for the Football For Fires Cup.
Football Federation Australia CEO James Johnson said the re-scheduling of the game was an important decision to make.
“As a sport of nearly two million participants, football has an extremely important role to play in slowing down the spread of COVID-19 across Australia so we are supportive of rescheduling the match,” said Johnson.
“It’s vital, however, that we continue to acknowledge the terrible effect the bushfires had on so many communities, and do everything we can to provide support through these difficult times.
“Football can play an important role in the rebuild of those communities affected by the bushfires.
“With some of the biggest names in the world game taking part and given the current circumstances, #FootballForFires will be a showpiece occasion and something the entire football family in Australia and abroad, can really look forward to.”
