The much-hyped El Clasico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, slated to be held in Mumbai on September 15, has been postponed due to unavailability of some players, said the organisers. Legends and rivals will take part in the fixture before the FIFA U-17 World Cup starts 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 the first week of October ahead of the World Cup," one of the organisers said here today.
However, there is a huge uncertainty over the match taking place in the near future.
"It's World Cup time in October and there's little chance of the match happening now," one of the organisers stated as media reports suggest.
Legends of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid were to play an exhibition match in memory of Dutch legend and Barcelona star Johan Cruyff, it was announced by Football Next Foundation in a statement in May.
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 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.
(With PTI Inputs).
