Moscow prepares for anti-racism match

Tkachenko proposal
The idea for the match, which will be held at the Lokomotiv stadium in Moscow, was initially proposed by the chairman of Premier League outfit FC Krylya Sovetov Samara, German Tkachenko, and was then given the blessing of both the Russian Football Union (RFS) and UEFA.

Domestic-based players
The match will be played for the Rostelekom Cup, after the name of the company which sponsors both the RFS and the national team. It is planned that Russia will field only domestic-based players in the match. The coach of the all-star side has yet to be named, but the team's players were elected by a nationwide vote. FC Dinamo Moskva and Armenia goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky will play behind a defence comprising FC Rostov's South African player Matthew Booth, his compatriot Jacob Lekcetho from FC Lokomotiv Moskva, and Dinamo defender Pascal Mendy, who is from Senegal.

Voters decide
Czech Republic star Jirí Jarošik, from PFC CSKA Moskva, will lead a midfield which also boasts Serbia and Montenegro playmaker Ognien Koroman, Spartak's Senegalese schemer Baye Kebe, and Bosnia-Herzegovina's Elver Rahimic. However the final players have yet to be elected. Voters are deciding on the starting lineup, while the coach will add another nine players to the squad.

Great honour
"It is a great honour to play for such a side", said Berezovsky. "I am sure the game will attract a lot of attention. This is the first all-star game in Russian history, and I am happy to be part of it. My wish is that something like this could be organized in Armenia as well." Jarošik added: "The match will hopefully provide attractive football, and the result will be just as important."

Anti-racism drive 
The match in Russia is one of the latest events in the football family's anti-racism drive, which is being spearheaded by UEFA and the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network.