FIFA's golden ball raises record amount

Attended by a guest list of celebrities, sportsmen, businessmen, royalty, human rights defenders and VIPs from around the world who were in Doha for the charity's annual red-carpet fundraising event, the auction item sparked intense bidding which rapidly passed the estimated USD 1 million value. The winning bid was placed by Aspire Academy, the country's state-of-the-art sports training academy, where it will be displayed.

Dr. Thomas Flock, Director General of ASPIRE comments: "It is a true honor for ASPIRE to house the official match ball from this year's World Cup final and we shall display it with pride".

"For our students and visitors to see, on a daily basis, something so vividly associated with an historic moment at the very pinnacle of world sport, and signed by the reigning football World Champions, will act as a constant, visible reminder to them about what we are working towards each day and act as a tangible source of inspiration".

"The at fact that the sale of the ball also helped raise money for the incredible work that the Reach Out To Asia charity undertakes makes it even more special and we wish them every success in the future."

Organisers of the auction are believed to be registering the sale with the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most valuable football.

One of only twenty balls made for the 2006 World Cup Final in Berlin, this particular ball is of special value because it was actually used during the historic match between France and Italy, watched by millions worldwide this summer. Certified by FIFA, the name of the stadium, the teams, the match date and the kick-off time are all embellished onto this golden ball. But what makes this match ball truly "one of a kind" is the addition of the signatures of the entire winning Italian team! From the team's captain, Canavarro, to striker Materazzi; stalwart midfielder Gattuso to goalkeeper Buffon; each proud member of the reigning World Champion team has penned his name triumphantly on this ball, capturing forever the exhilaration and quintessential spirit of what football fans view as the most important match in football history.