Centenary match set for December 2002

Real Madrid have set December 18 as the date when they will hold a special birthday bash in honour of the club's 100th year.

This date has been set aside for an all-star celebrity match at the club's Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

FIFA bowed to Real's request to paralyze the world of football around the globe for one day in honour of the Spanish giants.

On Wednesday December 18th, there will be just one match on the planet - Real Madrid verses a team comprised of the world's top footballers.

Also in the pipeline is a match to be played against the English national side - this is Real's idea of honouring the country that founded the game in the 19th century.

Added to this a match may be scheduled to promote the club in Asia, with matches in China and Japan on the horizon.