ZURICH: FIFA will sponsor a youth tournament in tribute to Stefano Borgonovo, the former Italy forward and European club champion, who suffers from the paralysing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In a joint venture with the Italian football federation, world football’s governing body will lend a helping hand to the competition on June  2 and 3.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, on record with his support for the  Stefano Borgonovo Foundation, confirmed this move in a letter to the former Milan player’s wife Chantal.

He said: “I am pleased to inform you that I have agreed with the FIGC that we will take over the joint sponsorship of this event. My office will give you every possible assistance to make this tournament a great success and an unforgettable event for all the children involved.”

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