The head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today highlighted the crucial role that football can play in tackling poverty and hunger, applauding a new agreement signed between the agency and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

"FAO has always set great store by the power of sport in general, and professional football in particular, as a tool for peace and development and as a means to mobilize political will and resources in the fight against global hunger," said Jacques Diouf, the agency's Director-General.

The CAF - and its members, affiliated football clubs and professional players - and FAO have agreed to join forces to raise awareness on food security issues. The football group will support FAO campaigns, including national and regional Food Security Programmes.

The two organizations hope the new partnership will allow football to become a vehicle for bolstering the living conditions for the world's poorest.

With this new deal, the CAF will join the ranks of other footballers - including star players and FAO Goodwill Ambassadors such as Roberto Baggio, formerly with the Italian clubs Juventus and Inter, and Real Madrid captain Raúl Gonzalez - seeking to bring an end to hunger worldwide.