Kashmir, Barasat, Siliguri and Lakshadweep -- AIFF ex-comm goes places with its decisions

THE AIFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE took decisions on a range of issues, including ones regarding stadiums in Bengal, the venue of the Federation Cup final and the membership application from Lakshadweep.

AIFF has decided to loan Rs 20 lakhs to Indian Football Association, the football governing body of West Bengal, to refurbish the Barasat Stadium over the summer. They have also decided to send delegates over to Siliguri's Kanchanjungha Stadium to make sure it is well-prepared ahead of the Kolkata Derby it is supposed to host on 2nd April.

They have also decided to set up a 3 member committee to review the application from Lakshadweep to become affiliated with the AIFF.

The board was unanimous in deciding that Kashmir will host the final match of the Federation Cup in May. The members were reportedly impressed with the massive support for football in the valley, with I-League CEO Sunanda Dhar observing,

“In the second division League, Imphal and Kashmir have been drawing an average of 18000 spectators per match."

Praful Patel praised the Indian national team - both men and women - for their recent success,

“The Team Coached by Stephen Constantine and Captain Sunil Chhetri showed exemplary character during the Tournament. I would also like to congratulate all the Players and the support staff for their contribution... I also congratulate the Indian Women’s National Team for winning the Gold Medal in the South Asian Games.”