Venue woes revisit AIFF

Similar to last season, the All India Football Federation once again faces scheduling problems for the NFL, which is scheduled to start from January 5, writes Gordon D'Costa.

Similar to last season, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) once again faces scheduling problems for the National Football League (NFL), which is scheduled to start from January 5.

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"Certain issues prevent Goa and Kolkata clubs from hosting their home matches," Albert Colaco, the AIFF general secretary, told the Hindustan Times over the telephone from New Delhi. "Since the Fartoda Stadium, the venue for Goan teams, will be hosting the One-day cricket match between India and Sri Lanka on February 14, the ground will not be available till then.

"The problem with the Salt Lake Stadium is that the Kolkata Police would not be able to deploy adequate policemen at the venue.

"We have written to both the Goa Football Association and the Indian Football Association requesting them for suggestions on how to solve the problem."

Sporting Clube de Goa, Dempo SC and Churchill Brothers are the Goan clubs, while the Kolkata teams in the fray are East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting.

Colaco stated that the AIFF would now meet in Goa on November 24 to discus the recommendation from the two state associations and decide on other alternate neutral venues.

gordon.dcosta@hindustantimes.com