Adebayor chosen for UN role to combat AIDS

GENEVA (AP) -African footballer of the year Emmanuel Adebayor was named by the United Nations on Monday as a goodwill ambassador for its global awareness project to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS.

The 25-year-old Togo and Arsenal striker will promote the UNAIDS program alongside Germany and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack.

"On the pitch we compete - off the pitch we are uniting the world against AIDS,'' Adebayor said in a statement.

Michel Sidibe, executive director of UNAIDS, said: "Sports stars like Emmanuel are excellent role models for young people.''