Tilak unfit for I-League: GFA
HERALD SPORTS DESK
PANJIM, MAY 19
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the fixtures for the final round of matches for the I-League and that has already created a potential problem in Goa as the local state association opines that one of the grounds named as the venue isn’t fit to host a match.
On the final day, Shillong Lajong face Salgaocar in what could be one of the most crucial matches in the I-League with the north easterners hoping to avoid the drop. The match has been scheduled at Tilak Stadium, Vasco while Churchill Brothers will come up against Air India at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
According to Goa Football Association (GFA), Tilak Stadium is undergoing renovation and it wouldn’t be befitting to have an I-League match at the concerned setting.
“The dressing rooms at Tilak have been demolished and there is none for the players and the referees at the present moment. You can’t have a game without the dressing room,” said Savio Messias, GFA secretary.
“The ground is in bad condition and I would say that it’s worse than any ground in India right now,” he added stating that they shall send a letter to the AIFF on this issue.
Meanwhile, the AIFF has a different story to tell as they point out that the state associations were written at least a week back asking them the availability of the ground but till date they haven’t received a reply from any one.
“We had written to GFA, IFA and WIFA a week back asking them to book the grounds and check the facilities at their disposal for May 27, 28 and 29.
“However, we haven’t received a feedback from anyone. Hopefully, when we receive the official intimation from GFA we shall take a call accordingly,” informed the I-League CEO, Sunando Dhar.
It is also learnt that a particular club isn’t happy to play their final game at Howrah Stadium in Kolkata and also the 4 p.m kick-off could be an issue as the ground doesn’t have floodlights. (Goal.Com)
