Goan I-League clubs to meet SAG to solve ground unavailability problem in Margao

Nehru Stadium

In a setback to the Goan clubs of the I-League, the state government of Goa has informed the four teams (Dempo, Salgaocar, Churchill Brothers, Sporting Clube de Goa) that the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao will be unavailable after December 16 as a new turf has to be laid there for the 2013 Lusophony Games, which Goa are scheduled to host next year.

Salgaocar secretary R.A.J. Gomes had told Sportskeeda earlier this week that the Nehru Stadium will continue to host I-League matches until the first week of January when Vasco’s Tilak Maidan will be ready but the fax from the ministry has now forced the clubs to hold a meeting with the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) to find a solution.

The clubs are expected to have that meeting on Monday but it remains to be seen what alternative can be provided as it was learnt that the Tilak Maidan, which is also undergoing renovation work, is nowhere near ready to host I-League matches.

I-League holders Dempo had withdrawn from the AFC Cup due to ground unavailability in Margao with their replacement Churchill Brothers having to play their home matches of that competition at Pune’s Balewadi Sports Complex.

Interestingly though, since IOC (International Olympic Committee) has for now suspended IOA (Indian Olympic Association), Goa may not be able to host the Lusophony Games.