Spain football legend Xavi Hernandez is set to grace the exhibition match slated for Monday as a chief guest, Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has announced.
The 36 year old ex-Barcelona star who now plays for Qatari Club Al Sadd will not feature in the match but will meet local supporters, FAM said.
FAM president Ahmed Thoriq said Xavi does not have the permission from his club to take part in the match.
The renowned midfield maestro won eight La Liga titles and four Champions MaldiLeague titles with the Catalan giants.
Xavi also won a further 13 trophies with the club, during his 17-year spell.
Xavi's impressive trophy haul doesn't stop there. He was instrumental during Spain's winning Euro 2008 and 2012 campaign and their 2014 World Cup victory.
The exhibition match has been scheduled to mark eight years since Maldives won its first and only SAFF Championship in 2008.
Former Argentina defender Roberto Ayala will however play for the SAFF championship winning team which would face the current national team in the exhibition match which would be played at the National Football Stadium in the capital Male.
Local football legend Ali Ashfaq and goalkeeper Imran Mohamed would feature in the 2008 winners team.
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