24 Mar 2017 | 07:24pm IST
FIFA delegation gives thumb’s up to Nehru Stadium
A seven-member team inspected the venue which is one of the six to host the matches; expressed satisfaction over the progress of completion of work; Parrikar pledges full support
FATORDA: The FIFA delegation team led by FIFA Head of Tournaments Jaime Yarza expressed his satisfaction over the progress of completion of work at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
With less than 200 days to go, a seven-member FIFA delegation team inspected the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which is one of the six venues to host the U-17 World Cup matches, on Thursday.
“Last time I visited Goa it was almost more than a year ago. There is lot of improvement. We are very satisfied with the authorities here in Goa for doing a fantastic job,” said Jaime Yarza.
Yarza explained that the AFC Championship held in 2016 was a good test at the stadium.
“It was a very good test to have the AFC tournament. You can see that most of the requirements we had requested have been finalised. So the stadium is in much better state than it was a year ago,” explained Yarza.
“So I would like to thank all the authorities for their support and dedication. It really reflects the fact that football is the sport in the region of Goa,” he added.
“Most of the requirements are completed and we are evaluating the fine tuning. In Goa almost all the requirements are basically met. There is no big change or request we have to the local organising committee. The stadium will be in a good shape and the support of local authorities will give us confidence.”
With all the major work completed Jaime revealed that the government should focus on the areas like security and transportation and finalizing the more cosmetic changes that are needed in the stadium for the later stage.
“There is one concern that we have that the local organising committee made us aware that the Government of Goa needs to work with the different panchayats for the preparation of the grounds, which is a problem that needs to be solved,” expressed Jaime.
The FIFA delegation team had earlier inspected the Nehru Stadium in Delhi and when asked about the comparison between the two venues, Jaime said: “There is no possible comparison between the venues. The conditions are different and the stadiums are also different. Delhi we were very satisfied with what we have seen and we are very satisfied in Goa.”
“I don’t want to do any ranking between cities and venues because it won’t be fair. I think both Delhi and Goa are in pretty good shape today,” replied Jaime.
While Nehru Stadium will play the U-17 World Cup final group stage matches, Tilak Maidan, Vasco; Nagoa panchayat ground, Benaulim ground, Utorda ground, Cuncolim ground will be considered for training for the participating teams.
When asked whether the Jaime Yarza visited the venues, he said: “No. I haven’t. There is a colleague of mine doing the training inspection. We have split the team due to the tight schedule. He is visiting training ground and he will give the detailed reports later. And till I get the report from my colleague I can’t say anything.”
FIFA U-17 Tournament Director LOC Javier Ceppi expressed his gratitude towards the State government and football governing body over their support in getting the work done at the stadium.
“Big thanks to the Government of Goa, the Sports Authority of Goa and Goa Football Association for working up with us closely to make sure that all the infrastructure is in place,” said Javier Ceppi.
“We are extremely pleased and satisfied with all the developments that have happened on the infrastructure. The stadium is almost good to go. We have been to the training sites and know that they are in good conditions. We just need to work on the field of play conditions,” Ceppi said.
With regards to the training venues, Ceppi said: “We need to work with the panchayats to make sure that they give us their time required for preparation and maintenance of the ground,” he concluded.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Project Director, LOC Joy Bhattacharya, Sports Authority of Goa Director (Admin) Praveen Volvoikar and GFA member Schubert Furtado were also present for the inspection.
Newly appointed Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar welcomed the FIFA delegation to the State earlier today and pledged full support for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.
Commenting on the prospect of Nehru Stadium playing host to an event of international repute, Parrikar said, “Goa is known for its love for football and we will ensure that no stone is left unturned in preparations for the tournament. It will be a wonderful opportunity for all Goans to witness a spectacle such as the World Cup.”
