Former Egypt and Ahly star Mohamed Abou-Treika has been called to join the Football Champions Tour team to face a Kuwaiti all-star team on 18 December at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait.

The hugely popular football figure, Abou-Treika, hung up his boots in late 2013 after leading Egypt’s most successful club Ahly to a host of domestic and continental trophies, earning cult status among their faithful. He was also instrumental in helping Egypt win two African Cup of Nations titles in 2006 and 2008.

"Wait for me on 18 December in a game of world stars against Kuwaiti top players," Abou-Treika wrote on his Twitter account.

The 36-year-old Abou-Treika will play alongside top superstar players as Steven Gerrard, Deco, David James, Alessandro Nesta, Michel Salgado and Andriy Shevchenko.

Early last week, Brazil great Ronaldinho, former England midfielder Paul Scholes, ex-French star Robert Pires, former Spain defender Carles Puyol, 2001 World Player of the Year Luis Figo and former Italy stars Gianluca Zambrotta and Alessandro Del Piero were announced as part of the Football Champions Tour team.

Former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is the only manager to have won the UEFA Champions League three times and is regarded as one of the most successful managers of all time, was selected to lead the Football Champions Tour team.

The Kuwaiti opponents squad will be announced Tuesday as Kuwaitis are voting for the names of their domestic squad that will be managed by iconic Kuwaiti coach Mohammed Ibrahim.

Former Italian referee Pierluigi Collina, who has been named FIFA's "Best Referee of the Year" six consecutive times, will officiate the game.

The football challenge will be preceded by an opening ceremony, including a concert bringing Kuwaiti and Arab singers together to perform for over 60,000 spectators at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. 

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