World Cup Final Ball Raises $74,000 in Auction

A soccer ball used during the World Cup final match between Spain and the Netherlands fetched $74,000 in an eBay online auction Friday, and the money will help fight HIV/AIDS.

Spain beat the Dutch 1-0 on July 11 in Johannesburg to win its first World Cup title. An Adidas Jabulani ball was used throughout the tournament; many players called it unpredictable and likened it to a "supermarket ball." The gold version used in the final was named "Jo'bulani." EBay's Ruth Szyszkowski said "interest in this particular piece seems not only heightened by the controversy surrounding it, but also the proceeds benefiting such a great cause." Proceeds from the ball's sale go to Nelson Mandela's "46664" foundation; its name honors the number the freedom fighter wore during his 27 years as a political prisoner on Robben Island.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.


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