KOLKATA: Argentine football legend Diego Maradona's visit to the city has been postponed for the fourth time due to security issues as his trip is clashing with the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
A day after the organisers claimed that Maradona's trip was "confirmed" for October 8-9 following a three-time postponement, the police authorities today refused to "give permission" with the U-17 World Cup getting underway here on October 8.
"While all of us tried our best, the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup and other issues meant security can't be offered to Diego in the manner required," the statement said.
"It is impossible to go ahead with the high profile visit on October 8 and 9," it added.
The organisers now claim that Maradona trip will materialise in November. But the date will be announced later.
The 1986 World Cup hero posted on his official Facebook page that he would visit the city in November.
"My dream is to visit Kolkata one more time, but everything was changed for November! This land always moves me, because there, Mother Teresa cared for and educated so many poor children. That's why I want to take them my football, because I think the ball makes you want to live... I will be there in November," read Maradona's post.
Maradona is slated to play an exhibition match against city's cricket icon Sourav Ganguly, titled "Dada v Diego Match for Unity", in Barasat.
"I will participate in all the scheduled events, to be with the people and the authorities. See you soon India!!!"
Maradona's post further stated.
Originally scheduled on September 19, Maradona's trip was postponed to October 2, followed by October 5 and then to October 8 and the latest being to November.