Santiago Canizares, the Spanish football star will be taking on poker players at 888Poker during the Canizares Challenge.

“Spanish football mega-icon Santiago Canizares has joined the 888poker team!” exclaims the 888poker promo page. “After being capped 46 times for Spain, participating in 3 FIFA World Cups and 4 UEFA European Football Championship, Canizares is about to take on the world of online poker – and he wants to challenge YOU!”

888poker has been experiencing rapid growth over the past few weeks and to celebrate it has announced that it will be doubling its Sunday Challenge guarantee from $50,000 to $100,000.  The event which takes place every Sunday at 19:35 GMT features an affordable $75+$5 buy-in. Players can register at any time for the event or they can satellite their way into the event via a number of extremely affordable qualifiers.

Recently, the online poker room, 888Poker.com, has announced intentions to host a special charity poker tournament of which 100% of the proceeds and an additional $1 per player will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.

Here is the statement from 888Poker.com:

“The massive earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March 2011 have caused widespread destruction, nuclear pollution and suffering, seen on television screens around the world.

 888poker recently launched 3D software for their poker platform and to celebrate they hosted a special promotion last month where they gave away thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. A number of players have already won big and the good news is there is still time to get in on this promotion. The popular poker room has announced that they will be extending the celebration into November!