Ghana?s Black Stars will be $50,000 richer when they make their maiden appearance in this year?s ?Unity Cup 2005? scheduled for London on June 11.

This was disclosed yesterday at the official launch of the ?Unity Cup? at a press conference under the auspices of OSMI and Multimedia Sports International in Accra.

The forthcoming soccer fiesta will attract countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica and Trinidad&Tobago. Alex Dokun, a representative of OSMI and Multimedia Sports International, in a brief history of the soccer fiesta said the competition started in 2001 upon the recommendation of the British Prime Minister.

He said that the competition sought to foster unity among blacks in the diaspora through soccer, as well as unearth talents by showcasing local players to the outside world.

The competition, according to Mr Dokun, will be in two phases:the winner of the Ghana-Nigeria game will clash with the winner of the Jamaica-Trinidad&Tobago which will be honoured in September 9 to declare a winner.

Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi, the acting chairman of the GFA, pointed out that the Black Stars accepted the invitation to participate in the competition inspite of their tight World Cup calendar because of the socio-cultural significance of the tournament.

Mr Nyantakyi, however, said that Ghana would be represented by the national U-23 side and would be handled by coach Francis Oti Akenteng.

According to Mr Nyantakyi the competition will serve as a platform for the youthful side to showcase the stuff they are made of and cited the case of Nigeria?s Obafemi Martin who became a revelation during the Unity Cup.

Mr Nyantakyi said the appearance fee of $50,000 had already been paid by cheque by the event organisers.

The acting FA chairman thanked OSMI and Multimedia for offering Ghana such an opportunity and gave the assurance that the money would be used to support youth football.