05:30, 9 April 2011

Zidane not to come to opening of sports complex in Chechnya

The World Cup football champion Zinedine Zidane has denied his arrival at the solemn opening ceremony of the sports complex named after Ahmad Kadyrov, built in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya.

Mr Zidane's visit scheduled for May 9 was announced by Khaidar Alkhanov, Minister for Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism of Chechnya. According to his version, is also expected that the famous French football player Michel Platini will also come.

"We hope that the great Platini will arrive in Grozny; however, Zidane has already confirmed his participation in the festivity; thus, I'm sure that the opening of the sports complex will be remembered not only by residents of the republic, but also by all football fans," the RIA "Novosti" quotes Mr Alkhanov as saying.

However, as stated by Zinedine Zidane, World Champion-1998 and a three-time winner of the title "Best Footballer of the World", he would not come to Grozny on May 9. Rumours about his visit to Chechnya and on negotiations were treated by him as "a blatant lie", the "Gazeta.Ru" writes.