MARCH 21, 2001

Schumacher may cancel all-star soccer plans

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER is considering cancelling plans to play in a soccer match on the Wednesday before the coming Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari man has been invited to play alongside his Brazilian team-mate Rubens Barrichello in a charity match against national soccer stars such as Romario and triple-World Cup winner Pele.

But a spokesperson for the driver said that the world champion may not now play the following the withdrawal of the Brazilian soccer players who had originally been lined up to take part.

"They all cannot come," said the spokesperson, who is continuing to discuss plans for the match which had been slotted into Schumacher's diary before the news of the team changes.

"That was the plan, but the plans changed when I spoke to the people in Brazil," added the spokesperson. A decision will be made on Thursday on Schumacher's appearance.