Lula’s idea for a “peace match” was welcomed by Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, Lula said, quoted in the newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo. He met with both in the past two weeks.

“There is willingness on their parts to form a half-and-half side,” Lula said, according to the report.

The match would be held in March 2010 in neutral territory during a visit by Lula to the Middle East. A similar match was played by the traditional rivals against a Spanish team in 2006.

The idea is part of Brazil’s bid to raise its diplomatic profile in key world affairs.