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I-League: AFC Inspection Team Deems JN Sports Complex In Shillong Unplayable
Lajong FC have been given a two-month ultimatum to develop a presentable home ground as a part of fulfilling the club licensing criterion set by the AFC...
15-Jun-2011 11:51:00 PM
By Goal.com India
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Competitions Director Tokuaki Suzuki has declared the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex in Shillong, Meghalaya 'unplayable' after visiting Lajong's home ground last weekend.
The four-member inspection team has asked the Meghalaya Football Association to improve the ground conditions and other infrastructural requirements to meet AFC’s strict licensing criteria.
Current assessments have revealed that the ground is not fit to host Shillong Lajong FC's home matches in the I-League.
According to the AFC team, the stadium lacks facilities for live telecast, proper dressing rooms, a medical room, doping test center, separate VIP stands and a press box.
The four-member AFC inspection team led by Suzuki have confirmed they will return in mid-August to convey their verdict.
"We will be coming to Shillong to see the ground in the mid of August and by then if the turf does not improve Lajong will have to play their home matches somewhere else," said the team.
On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Sports Bindo M Lanong moaned about the difficulties to meet all requirements in such a short time.
''It is impossible to improve the ground conditions and set up infrastructures in two months," said Lanong who is also the vice-president of the Shillong Sports Association (SSA).
"It is difficult to get funds from the State Plan as it will affect other departments,'' Lanong added.
I-League CEO Sunando Dhar, who accompanied the AFC delegation, has however placed his hope in the local authorities.
''I hope the local authorities will fulfill the AFC criteria in the interest of the club and its supporters,'' said Dhar.
The four-member inspection team has asked the Meghalaya Football Association to improve the ground conditions and other infrastructural requirements to meet AFC’s strict licensing criteria.
Current assessments have revealed that the ground is not fit to host Shillong Lajong FC's home matches in the I-League.
According to the AFC team, the stadium lacks facilities for live telecast, proper dressing rooms, a medical room, doping test center, separate VIP stands and a press box.
The four-member AFC inspection team led by Suzuki have confirmed they will return in mid-August to convey their verdict.
"We will be coming to Shillong to see the ground in the mid of August and by then if the turf does not improve Lajong will have to play their home matches somewhere else," said the team.
On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Sports Bindo M Lanong moaned about the difficulties to meet all requirements in such a short time.
''It is impossible to improve the ground conditions and set up infrastructures in two months," said Lanong who is also the vice-president of the Shillong Sports Association (SSA).
"It is difficult to get funds from the State Plan as it will affect other departments,'' Lanong added.
I-League CEO Sunando Dhar, who accompanied the AFC delegation, has however placed his hope in the local authorities.
''I hope the local authorities will fulfill the AFC criteria in the interest of the club and its supporters,'' said Dhar.
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