TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: With the Lusofonia Games set to begin today, entire contingents of the teams have not yet arrived and in a surprising twist the East Timor football squad has withdrawn from the football competition.
LUGOC had originally stated that six teams were confirmed however with the withdrawal of East Timor that number has now dropped to five and according to high ranking LUGOC officials more teams are expected to follow East Timor’s lead. Sao Tome and Principe is also likely to pull out of the football competition.
Meanwhile Anil Kamat, All India Football Federation (AIFF) Assistant Secretary and the Games Technical Director for football, stated that he is displeased by the infrastructure at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
“The Government has spent more than 64 crores on refurbishment work but the renovation work and specially the re-laid grass pitch is not made according to the AIFF plans and design,” said an upset Kamat.
Kamat added “The AIFF had given clear cut instructions on the renovation work but I am afraid that the football pitch is not prepared as per international standards.”
The technical delegation were also angered as they were unable to inspect the Nehru Stadium playing surface as it was covered by a carpet for the rehearsal of the opening ceremony.
In addition, according to Kamat, the main dressing rooms are ill-equipped for international and World Cup qualifying matches.
Kamat also added, “The Tilak Maidan ground condition is also unsatisfactory and cannot be given the nod for international matches, but will still be used for the Lusofonia football matches.”
He was however satisfied with the facilities and standard of the two dressing rooms in the west and east stand of Tilak Maidan.
