The organizers, who successfully organized the Bryan Adams concert in the capital earlier this year, didn´t disclose the date of the match saying the one and only stadium in the capital has not yet been booked. However, they assured that the match would definitely take place this time around. [break]
"We postponed the event instead of canceling it," said Shital Pratap Singh of the organizing committee.
"If we had rushed, it would have been like Metallica´s concert during the Indian F1 Grand Prix which was cancelled on October 28," he added.
While Singh is aware of the hurdles while booking the stadium - like the ones they faced during Bryan Adams´ concert - he is optimistic that the event will be held successfully because it is beneficial for the whole country.
"We are sure to get cooperation from all concerned parties because all of them can benefit from this event," he said.
The organizers said the team of international footballers is already complete but they are yet to form Nepal´s dream team.
"We are in talks with the clubs and the players. It will be sorted out soon. We are getting positive response from all sides in this regard," said Singh.
The international footballers visiting Nepal include football legends Pele, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Rudd Gullit and Lother Matthaus. The other players scheduled to play the exhibition match are Regi Blinker, Oliver Kahn, Patrick Kluivert, Marcel Desailly, Ronald de Boer, Winston Bogarde, Dietmar ´Didi´ Hamann, Roland Kopp, Fredi Bobic, Samuel Kuffour, Raí [Souza Vieira de Oliveira], and Ansgar Brinkmann, among others.
The organizers are yet to announce the final list, pending the ticket confirmation of the players.
"We will soon announce the final list. There may be some minor changes as some players might not be available for the match," added Singh.
The list excludes former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sarr, who was earlier said to participate in the event.
Among the players, Blinker was here in Kathmandu in August to promote the event.
As far as the ticket prices are concerned, football enthusiasts can heave a sigh of relief as the organizers have slashed the price as compared to the Bryan Adams´ concert.
The tickets for the open parapet are priced between Rs 700-1000 while that of the VIP parapet is Rs 2000-2500, according to Singh.
"Football is a game for all groups and all ages. We want to make it affordable for all," he added.
Singh also said the football superstars will conduct a training camp for about 400 Nepali children.
"We want to encourage the children. We want to inspire them and we also want to promote football in Nepal," said Singh, who couldn´t have imagined seeing football legends playing in Nepal during his childhood days.
"We couldn´t even see Pele on TV. But now the new generation will get an opportunity to learn from such great players," he said.
"This event will also help promote tourism in Nepal," he added.
VfB Stuttgart to visit Nepal in May
Germany´s first division football club VfB Stuttgart is all set to play a friendly match in Nepal in May 2012.
The organizers, JPR Events, told Republica that Stuttgart will play against a Nepali club, preferably the league winner, during the off-season of the German League, Bundesliga.
Shital Pratap Singh of the organizing committee said they have already signed a contract with the three-time Bundesliga winner in this regard.
"This match will help us evaluate the strengths and level of Nepali football," said Singh, a football enthusiast himself.
"This is also a great opportunity for the Nepali players to acquire knowledge of the German style of play," he added.
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