FIFA 2006 World Cup Final Match Football Up for Auction at Reach Out To Asia Charity Gala Dinner

The 2006 FIFA World Cup Final match football is set to raise a significant amount of money at this week’s Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) charity Gala Dinner in Doha.

The Golden Ball was given extra special treatment as a ‘First Class passenger’ onboard Qatar Airways Flight QR005 from Doha to London Heathrow ahead of a promotional tour. The football returns to Qatar where it is set to be auctioned off at the much-anticipated Reach Out To Asia Gala Dinner on November 4.

Intense interest from collectors and football fans around the world is being shown in the countdown to the star-studded Gala Dinner with news that the official 2006 World Cup Final match ball, signed by champions Italy, is to go under the auctioneer’s hammer at the charity’s auction.

Being one of only 20 footballs made for the 2006 World Cup Final in Berlin, the ball up for auction was actually used during the historic match between France and Italy that was watched by tens of millions of soccer fans worldwide this summer.

Certified by FIFA, the name of the Final stadium, the teams, the match date and the kick-off time are all recorded onto this golden ball. But what makes the match ball truly ‘one of a kind’ is the addition of the signatures of the entire winning Italian team and reigning World Champions.

From team captain, Canavarro, to striker Materazzi, stalwart midfielder Gattuso to goalkeeper Buffon, each proud member of the World Cup winning team has penned his name triumphantly on the ball, capturing forever the spirit of what football fans view as the most important match in football history.

The ball will undoubtedly be the focus of soccer fans and collectors worldwide, particularly among the millions of passionate Italians, who would undoubtedly be eager to get their hands on such an historic piece of football memorabilia.

Speculation about the amount of money the ball is likely to raise for the charity is widespread, as Italian football authorities are said to be keen to acquire the ball to display as an historic treasure piece.

The Sotheby’s-run auction takes place during the star-studded Reach Out To Asia Gala Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha.

Antiques expert Henry Wyndham will conduct the auction on behalf of Sotheby’s.

Absentee bidders from around the world will be able to join in the bidding for the coveted ball, further raising the prospect of a money-spinning auction.

Celebrities, sportsmen, politicians and VIPs will gather in the Qatari capital this week for the red-carpet affair to raise funds for ROTA’s various aid projects throughout Asia and the Middle East.

Amazing Items to go Under the Hammer for Charity in Doha on November 4, 2006

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