Clasico in Kolkata may sound a bit farfetched. But reports in Spain indicate that very soon, Real Madrid and Barcelona may lock horns in an exhibition match in India. In an attempt to reach out to the vast Indian market, Real Madrid have lined up several matches in India, including a veterans Clasico, according to Spanish sports daily Marca.
The report said former Real Madrid stars like Luis Figo, Fernando Moreintes and Fernando Hierro, among a few others have played fundamental role in the negotiations, which are about to come to fruition. Apart from the veterans Clasico, a series of exhibition matches involving former Real Madrid stars has been planned as a part of Real’s corporate image building exercise.
“The global agreement would kick off with a number of matches played in India by the Real Madrid old boys - a side which would feature Hierro, Figo, Salgado and Morientes. Also featuring in the initial project would be a veterans’ ‘Clasico’ between Madrid and Barcelona,” the report said.
The dates and venues for these matches are yet to be decided. The All India Football Federation, whose permission will be needed to conduct any match in the country, said they haven’t been approached by Real Madrid yet. “We haven’t heard about any such thing nor have any of the Real Madrid officials got in touch with us,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said.
Several European clubs have been targetting India, seen as a lucrative commercial market, in the last few years. Last year, a full-strength Bayern Munich side played an exhibition match against India in New Delhi.
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