Mumbai: The star-studded ‘El-Clasico’ match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which was supposed to be held in Mumbai on September 15 has now been postponed due to the unavailability of some players, the organisers informed on Sunday.
“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 first week of October ahead of the World Cup,” said a member of the organising team.
However, the revised date of the match has not been confirmed as yet. There is also a possible chance of the match getting cancelled. With U-17 World Cup starting next month followed by the ISL and I-League at the same time, chances of the star-studded match in Mumbai is indeed bleak.
The same was evident when an official of the organising committee was asked about the match. Interacting with the PTI, he said, “It’s World Cup time in October and there’s little chance of the match happening now.”
It was announced in May this year by Football Next Foundation that, legends of both Barcelona and Real Madrid were to play a match in the country in remembrance of Dutch legend and Barcelona star Johan Cruyff.
It was also reported that players such as Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Nicolas Anelka, Luis Figo, Carles Puyol, Fernando Morientes and Michel Solgado had agreed to participate in the match which was shifted to Mumbai from Kolkata (Kolkata will host the final of U-17 World Cup).
An agreement regarding the match was also signed at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium, where former India international Dipendu Biswas was declared the brand ambassador. However, Dipendu was not aware of the latest developments regarding the historic match.
He as quoted by Hindustan Times saying, “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.”
Another big match ‘Diego vs Dada’ which was to take place in Kolkata is also doubtful, because of security reasons and with the ‘El Clasico’ also coming under the scanner, only time will tell if India can lose both the matches or host both of them.