MONTREAL — Former Brazil star Ronaldinho will not be featuring in a game against Montreal Impact legends at Stade Saputo August 4.
Announced in a press release Wednesday morning, the organizing committee, Groupe 3737, confirmed that Ronaldinho was not able to leave Brazil. The former Barcelona player’s passport is currently seized by the Brazilian government.
“We are very disappointed that the litigation between Ronaldinho and the Brazilian government has dragged in length,” said Groupe 3737 president Frantz Saintellemy in a statement. “The seizing of international star’s passport is still in effect to this day. The situation is out of our control.”
According to reports from Brazil, Ronaldinho has had 57 properties seized. The World Cup winner reportedly owes $2.63 million to the Brazilian government.
The Impact legends team will take on the new-look Brazil squad Sunday at Stade Saputo. Patrice Bernier will captain the Impact squad, which features former star Didier Drogba.
Cafu, Rivaldo invited to Brazil squad
In an effort to ensure the event runs as scheduled, the Brazil squad has been revamped with several new additions.
The squad will feature 2002 World Cup veterans Cafu and Rivaldo. World Cup winning teammates Gilberto Silva and Kelberson will join them in the Seleção representatives.
There is also a change on the Brazilian sideline. Former national team manager Dunga squad will coach the squad. The 55-year-old coached Brazil on two occasions, from 2006 to 2010 and from 2014 to 2016.
Pierce, Brovsky out, Moojen, Cecarelli in
The Impact squad has also gone through a few changes. Defenders Heath Pierce and Jeb Brovsky no longer feature on the local legends roster list.
Substituting for them are Frederico Moojen and Paolo Cecarelli. Moojen, a forward, played for the Impact in their 2007 USL season. He is now the all-time leading scorer of the Premiere Ligue de Soccer du Quebec, the province’s semi-professional league.
On his side, Cecarelli had a six-year tenure as a goalkeeper for the Impact playing both outdoor and indoor soccer from 1994 to 2000. The Toronto native featured in the 1996 All-A-League team.
Squads
Montreal Impact
Goalkeepers: Greg Sutton, Paolo Cecerelli.
Players: Didier Drogba, Mauro Biello, Justin Mapp, Cameron Porter, Hassoun Camara, Patrice Bernier, Patrick Leduc, Frederico Moojen, Nick De Santis, Nevio Pizzolito, Rocco Placentino, Eduardo Sebrango, Wandrille Lefevre, Antonio Ribeiro, John Limniatis.
Coaching staff: Valerio Gazzola, Mike Moretto, Aldo Ricciuti.
Brazil
Goalkeepers: Marcelo, Leonardo Ramalho.
Players: Renato Silva, Fernando, Joilson, Athirson, Tony Menezes, Felipe Adao, Rivaldo, Cafu, Kleberson, Gilberto Silva, Djalminha, WellingtonRobson Chagas.
Coaching staff: Dunga, Kalil Sehbe, Nereu Maydana,