Barça shirts to support Unicef

FC Barcelona have signed "a historic agreement" that will see them wearing the Unicef logo on their famous red and blue shirts from the start of their UEFA Champions League defence.

Global aim
The Spanish champions have never had a shirt sponsor in their 107-year history but were eager to help promote the charitable organisation's worldwide efforts on behalf of underprivileged children. Barça president Joan Laporta travelled to United Nations headquarters in New York and launched the joint-initiative with Ann M Veneman, Unicef's executive director, tonight. The five-year agreement carries the motto: 'More than a club: a new hope for children goes global'. Unicef called the shirt branding "a donation that will remind football fans everywhere of the importance of putting children first".

'An honour'
Laporta revealed the club would give financial support to Unicef projects across the planet. "It's a historic agreement which shows the world our club is more than just a club," he said. "It's an initiative with soul. Barça can help the children of the world. It's a historic moment as it is a prestigious logo and not just a publicity brand. It's an honour to wear the Unicef logo because it's an agreement without precedent for Unicef as well." The club begin their 2006/07 UEFA Champions League campaign against PFC Levski Sofia at Camp Nou next Tuesday.

Money pledged
A Unicef statement said: "FC Barcelona and UNICEF today kicked off a global partnership to benefit children in the developing world. The first beneficiaries will be vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Swaziland. In addition to the Unicef-branded jersey, Barcelona have also agreed to donate at least €1.5m per year to Unicef over the next five years to support Unicef programmes for children all over the world."