FRANK LAMPARD, JOHN TERRY, BACARY SAGNA, ESTELLE, WHITNEY PORT & ASHLEY COLE ATTEND THE DIDIER DROGBA FOUNDATION CHARITY BALL IN LONDON (PHOTOS)

 

Ivory Coast International Didier Drogba hosted friends and teammates at his annual Didier Drogba Foundation Charity Ball in London. This year’s event took place at the glamorous Dorchester Hotel in London.

Musician Estelle and Fashion Designer Whitney Port alongside football stars Frank Lampard, John Terry, Bacary Sagna, Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips helped raise funds for Drogba’s charity project – a hospital/health centre currently being built in the Attecoube district of Abidjan, a poor and densely populated neighbourhood with no modern health facilities.

His teammates and football friends donated jerseys and other items which were auctioned off at the event. Drogba aims to raise £3 million to complete the hospital which will provide free healthcare services to less privileged people in Abidjan.

Great to see Drogba consistently working to improve the lives of people in his country! We hope to see this project completed soon.

RACISM IN SOCCER BECOMES A HUGE PROBLEM FOR JOHN TERRY

Since the long history of English soccer, it is the first time that a player is being put on trial over words spoken on the field. On Wednesday, prosecutors revealed that one of the most famous players in English soccer, John Terry racially battered a rival during an October match.

Furthermore, Terry who captains Chelsea and England’s national team was initially fined $4,000. Luis Suarez, Liverpool’s striker was fined $62,000 and an 8 match ban for racially abusing a Manchester United player during a game in October. FIFA has a mixed record on this matter.

Previously, FIFA has also initiated an anti racism campaign but recently its president, Mr. Sepp Blatter claimed that racism doesn’t exit on the playing field. Adding further, he said that any incident may be settled by a handshake when the match ends.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Prosecutors settled to indict Terry after carefully examining his video in which he apparently abused defender Anton Ferdinand. The match was viewed by soccer fans from around the world.

Prosecutors affirmed that the football player had committed a racially provoked public order offense. While speaking in his defense, Terry said that he never intended a racist comment at any player. Adding further, he said that people close to him are from diverse races and creeds. He also said that he will try his best to prove his innocence.

No comments have been made by Ferdinand regarding this issue. FIFA has said that before passing any ruling, it will wait for the police investigation to be finished.

In a statement, the chief crown prosecutor for London, Mr. Alison Saunders said that the police has carefully examined the footage and has gathered ample evidence for a rational prospect of conviction.

Furthermore, Terry is expected to appear at West London Magistrates’ court on 1st February 2012.As a result of this case, Terry’s image and career is at stake. If the star football player is found guilty, he may not be able to represent England at the upcoming European Championship.