Kochi to play on FIFA turf
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Just as you reach Ernakulam by road or by rail, you catch a glimpse of that forlorn Ambedkar Stadium near the KSRTC Bus Stand.
A pitiable sight, many youngsters would wonder if any game had ever been played there — or will any game ever be played there in the future. But, hold on.
If things go as per plan, a proper football turf sponsored by FIFA will be spread over the ground by next year, and the stadium itself will get a much-needed uplift. The Kerala Football Association (KFA) is expecting the nod for the works from the national body.
FIFA had sanctioned eight artificial turfs in the cities of Mumbai, Shillong, Imphal, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kolhapur and Goa, with the last one set to receive two.
However, Kohlapur’s allotment, it is learnt, might get shifted to Kochi. “Though the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is yet to make the final call, the chances are high,” says KFA secretary Anil Kumar.
“I wouldn’t say anything has turned out in our favour yet, but we are hopeful. Once if the AIFF decides to allot the FIFA scheme to Kochi, we will have this raised to a quality venue,” he said.
Stadium owners, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), has signed an MoU with the KFA on better utilization of the playground. But, if FIFA has to roll out its mat on the ground, the problem is, only football can be played at the venue for next 30 years.
“If we are allotted the turf, then the AIFF, KFA and GCDA will have to arrive at a tri-party agreement on the above clause, after which things will get better,” said Anil Kumar.
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