El Clasico exhibition match in Mumbai tentatively postponed to October
The much-awaited El Clasico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, to be held in Mumbai on September 15, has been postponed due to unavailability of some players, as confirmed by the organizers. The match is also being considered as a curtain raiser to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in October.
"There has been some availability issues with the players, so as of now it's not happening on September 15. It will now be held tentatively in theĀ first week of October ahead of the World Cup," one of the organisers said today.
However, there is a huge uncertainty over the match taking place in the near future, a Mumbai-based official said on condition of
"It's World Cup time in October and there's little chance of the match happening now," he told PTI.
"It's World Cup time in October and there's little chance of the match happening now," one of the organisers told PTI.
Legends of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid were to play an exhibition match in memory of Dutch legend and Barcelona star Johan
An agreement was signed at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, and former India forward Dipendu Biswas was named the brand ambassador.
Biswas, however, said he was not aware of the latest development.
"The match was to be held in Mumbai on September 15 but I'm not aware that it's not happening as per schedule. I'm busy with Mohammedan Sporting Club right now," Biswas said.
It was reported that the likes of Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Nicolas Anelka, Luis Figo, Carles Puyol, Simao, Fernando Morientes and Michel Salgado were to participate in the match, which was shifted to Mumbai from Kolkata because of logistical problems.
Kolkata is gearing up to host the final of the Under-17 World Cup on October 28.