Maradona 'let us down four times'

Diego Maradona has been accused of letting down organisers of a testimonial game in the United Arab Emirates four times.

They have now given up trying to involve Argentina's former World Cup captain in the match for ex-United Arab Emirates skipper Abdullah Rahman Mohammed.

"We did all we could, but it was of no use. Maradona will not be coming," said Mohammed Abdul Rahman Jalfar of Al Nasr, Mohammed's club who are hosts for the benefit game.

Jalfar told the Gulf News: "We are completely fed up and want to put this whole mess out of the way. We found it hard to trust him and his agents.

"He let us down not once, but four times. Even when we re-opened the negotiations they allowed small things to come in the way. They were never clear about anything.

"To tell you the truth, many people were against Maradona coming to Dubai because of his history with drugs. They felt that he would not be a good example for the youth in the United Arab Emirates.

"We were willing to overlook that and go ahead with the plans. But we seem to have made a mistake, and we are really sorry, and frustrated.

"Maradona has ruined our reputation. The whole thing became a joke, nobody was willing to believe us anymore. We are totally fed up with him."

Maradona had initially been scheduled to arrive in Dubai last week. But he failed to appear despite flight and hotel bookings being made for himself and his entourage.

Jalfar said other top soccer players would now be involved in the March 8 testimonial match.