Valencia present the friendly match against a Nigerian league All-Star team

Valencia CF chairwoman Layhoon Chan said that money raised from the LaLigaWorld friendly against a Nigeria All-Star team will be given to municipalities of the Valencia region that suffered forest fires in June. Layhoon Chan and the president of the provincial government, Jorge Rodríguez, were at the presentation of the match, held at Carcaixent town hall, along with mayors of the municipalities affected.

“I am delighted to be here with the mayors,” Layhoon Chan said. “We are sad about what happened in June because it is never nice to see fires like this. When we saw what had happened we thought about how Valencia CF could help the people affected by the fires in recent months. “We need to create an atmosphere of unity among fans over the forest fires and I hope that everyone that goes to the game, enjoys it and joins together in supporting the region. This game is crucial for Valencia CF and the LFP World Challenge. Valencia CF and Ribera Alta will grow together for the future of the Valencian forests.”

On similar lines, Rodríguez added: “this event shows that when sport and politics come together, we are unstoppable. We are lucky to deal with a Valencia CF, that not only represents the football elite, but also the elite when it comes to a social conscience. I want to thank the chairwoman, not only for her efforts in the fight for equality, but also the support shown for those affected by the fires. It is great to see Valencia looking to get involved and help in something like this.” Carcaixent councillor for sport, Vicente Albelda, thanked Valencia CF and the Valencia local government for their efforts, while the mayor of Alzira, Diego Gómez said: “We are proud to take part in this ‘fiesta’. It is great to have this event and to help the people affected by the fire, it shows that Valencia CF is at one with their fans.” Valencia CF will play a side made up of top players from Nigeria at the Luis Suñer Picó stadium, on August 10th, from 21:30 CEST, with prices from six to ten euros. There were severe forest fires in June that effected La Ribera, La Canal de Navarrés, Vall d’Albelda and in particular Carcaixent where 3,000 hectares of forest were burnt. Money raised from what will be the sixth pre-season friendly for Pako Ayestarán’s side, will be given to local municipalities via the Valencia provincial government.