Soccer Aid raised more than £13m for UNICEF last weekend, making this year its most successful fundraising year to date.
“This figure has smashed all previous records for money raised on the night,” UNICEF said.
This was raised through the UK public, ITV and STV viewers, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) who matched all public donations up to £6.3m.
Kate Hampton, chief executive of CIFF, said the foundation was “delighted”. She added: “The real winners from Saturday’s match will be the vulnerable children and families around the world who will receive crucial support, thanks to the public’s generous support for Soccer Aid this year.”
This year's total brings the overall amount raised from Soccer Aid, for UNICEF, to more than £60m.
The match ended 3-0, with Soccer Aid World XI FC, beating England for the third consecutive time in a row as Lee Mack scored in the 89th minute.
UNICEF is aiming to deliver two billion Covid-19 vaccines to frontline healthcare workers, social workers and teachers around the world and help children get back to school, beat malnutrition, and get healthcare.
Steven Waugh, interim executive director at UNICEF UK, said: “This year, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has had its biggest challenge as the Covid crisis is making life for children in the world’s poorest countries even harder – the support of the UK public is vital, and I am so proud of what we have achieved so far.
“When the final whistle blew this evening it might have meant the end of the game, but it’s really only the beginning for the children whose lives will be changed by the money raised tonight. Thank you so much for your support.”
Soccer Aid for UNICEF was broadcast live on ITV and STV and is produced by Initial.
Last year ITV apologised after it released an incorrect figure for the total. Soccer Aid raised more than £9m, which was then the most it had ever raised on the night.
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