PARIS, Mar 2 (Reuters/ Internet): World champions France will play a charity match against a World XI for the first time to honour former European footballer-of-the-year Jean-Pierre Papin, who retired earlier this season.

The match will be played on May 30 at Marseille's Stade Velodrome. Players such as Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio, David Beckham. Lothar Matthaeus. Aron Winter and George Weah have been approached to play for the World

Frenchman David Ginola could also play against his home country which has ignored his talents for many years.

"It's the first time France are playing a charity match but France had to honour such an exceptional figure of French soccer," said French federation president Claude Simonet.

"I always said I would end my career in Marseille, where I have my fondest memories." said Papin, who won four French league titles with Marseille from 1988 to 1992.

Papin, who scored 30 goals in his 54 matches for France, also played for Club Bruges. AC Milan. Bayern Munich. Girondins Bordeaux and En Avant Guingamp.