'Unity' football match in Kabul

Football is very popular among Afghans

A football match in Afghanistan between peacekeeping troops and a Kabul team has been arranged by the British Government.

The Barclaycard Premiership trophy is to be flown to Afghanistan for players to pose with in what has been described as an historic "game of unity".

The game on 15 February will be held in the Afghan national stadium, the scene of stonings, hangings and beatings during the Taleban regime.

Barclaycard has taken out special insurance for the coveted trophy, which is said to be priceless.

The match is a fantastic example of how football can be used in a positive way to bring people together

Nic Gault
Barclaycard

The match was arranged by the Ministry of Defence with the backing of the Football Association and the Premier League.

It is intended to highlight and hasten the way life in the country is returning to normal.

Familiar names will take on the coaching roles.

Adultery

Former Spurs legend Gary Mabbutt will take charge of the International Security Assistance Force, which includes players from the UK, Denmark, Norway, France, Italy, Spain, Holland and Germany.

Kabul Olympic Football Club will be trained by former Northern Ireland and Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy.

Barclaycard has supplied medals and full kits for both teams, and provided football boots, shinpads and gloves for the Kabul side.

The company's sponsorship director, Nic Gault, said there was a huge interest in the game among Afghans.

He said: "The match is a fantastic example of how football can be used in a positive way to bring people together."

"Hopefully it will help Afghanistan return to normality."

Hundreds of public executions took place in Kabul's Olympic stadium, including women accused of adultery being stoned to death and petty thieves hanged from the goal crossbars.