Dubai: The legendary Diego Maradona will be the star attraction at this weekend’s ‘Union Spirit Match’ football to be held at the Dubai Police Officers Club.
Organised by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), in co-ordination with Ganem Al Falasi of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the unique football match lasting 36 hours is scheduled for a 9am start on November 28 and conclusion at 9pm on November 29.
The global sports ambassador for Dubai, Maradona has confirmed his willingness to play in this weekend’s match along with most of the available stars from the UAE’s squad that participated in the 1990 Fifa World Cup.
The record for the longest football match is the one involving 36 footballers in Stretford, England involved in continuous play over 72 hours raising £25,000 in the bargain for the Francis House Children’s Hospice. The previous record for an 11-a-side game stood at 62 hours.
“Our main idea is to get Dubai moving, and what better day to do it as we approach the UAE National Day celebrations. I am confident that Maradona’s presence on the field will inspire many to come and be part of such a unique venture,” Al Falasi told Gulf News.
As per the schedule released, Maradona is scheduled to play alongside the UAE national team’s former stars from 7pm on Friday. “We have also invited a host of other international footballers who have played for Morocco, France and Spain. We want to make this occasion a true celebration of life and health for the residents of this country,” he added.
