Leyland's football freestyler Liv Cooke pulls out of Soccer Aid 2021 after positive Covid test

Liv was due to take part in Soccer Aid 2021 at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 4.

But today (September 1), Liv said she was "absolutely gutted" to announce she would no longer be participating after testing positive for coronavirus.

She said: "Thankfully the symptoms are very mild but the time means I won't be able to enter Soccer Aid camp.

"The safety of everyone involved has to come first so I'll be isolating.

"I will be watching the big game on ITV and will continue to support Unicef - as I hope you all will too."

The annual charity match, which raises money for Unicef, sees England take on the rest of the world for a live show hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott on ITV.

Singers James Arthur and Olly Murs and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness are among the stars joining footballers Wayne Rooney, David James and Ashley Cole.

Singer Tom Grennan and footballers Fara Williams, Micah Richards, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes will also take part for the first time.

Rooney is coming out of retirement to play for England again after managing the England side in 2020, while Richards joins the England coaching team with David Seaman as goalkeeping coach.

Harry Redknapp returns as manager of the rest of the world team.

Also returning to the Soccer Aid pitch are Olympian Usain Bolt, reality star Mark Wright, TV presenter Ore Oduba, Love Island’s Kem Cetinay, radio star Roman Kemp and musician Chunkz, while Maya Jama returns as a pundit.

Other football stars taking part include Kelly Smith, Roberto Carlos, Patrice Evra, Emile Heskey and Jamie Redknapp.

Football Focus presenter Scott said: "I'm so excited for this! I've wanted to be involved in Soccer Aid for Unicef for many years, so I am delighted to be part of it now as pitch-side reporter.

"For years I've watched the games and it’s something that I know loads of people look forward to. It'll be great to be back in a stadium with fans again - and all for such a great cause.

"With so many great names already signed-up - and many more to come - there's no excuse not to get your tickets now!"

Rooney added: "Pulling on an England shirt is always special, so I'm absolutely delighted to be doing that again in Soccer Aid for Unicef this September.

"Managing the England team last year was great but being around the players made me want to lace up the boots again - now I've got that chance, one last time.

"Soccer Aid for Unicef has been a massive force for good since it started back in 2006 and I know the public will support us again this year by purchasing tickets, which are now on sale."

Since Soccer Air was founded in 2006, it has raised more than £47 million to help children all over the world.

Soccer Aid 2020, which was held at Old Trafford, raised £9.3 million

The 2021 match will take place on September 4 and will be broadcast on ITV and STV. Tickets are on sale now at www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets.

Since Soccer Air was founded in 2006, it has raised more than £47 million to help children all over the world.

Soccer Aid 2020, which was held at Old Trafford, raised £9.3 million

The 2021 match will take place on September 4 and will be broadcast on ITV and STV.

Tickets are on sale now at www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets.

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