Thiruvananthapuram: The state government would take appropriate measure to ensure smooth conduct of Indian Super League (ISL) matches in Kochi, Minister for Sports E P Jayarajan has said.
He was responding to the Malayala Manorama report which threw light on the blatant attempts by various government agencies including the police and the Kochi Corporation to arm-twist and blackmail the local franchise Kerala Blasters with malicious intent and vested interests.
The franchise’s management, expressing strong displeasure over the ‘hostile’ treatment meted out by the authorities, had also hinted at the possibility of the team shifting its base to another city next year.
“The government would take the initiative to sort out the issues amicably. We are committed to extend full support to the ISL. Unscrupulous behaviour by certain persons has brought disgrace to the entire state,” the minister said.
He guaranteed that the government would look into the complaints raised by the franchise’s management.
“The club and the local organisers have alleged that they are facing obstacles at every stage of conducting a game due to the indifferent attitude of the authorities concerned. Such complaints are indeed worrisome. The government would discuss the matter with the franchise’s management and the agencies involved in conducting the matches to bring an end to the conflict. The first and foremost priority of the government is development and promotion of sports,” the minister said.
“Kochi holds the record for highest league attendance every season. Having our own team in the ISL, which has brought global attention to Indian football, is a matter of pride for all Keralites. Also, Blasters have the biggest fan base in the league. Taking all this into account, the authorities are obliged to make arrangements to ensure hassle-free matches,” he added.
CM may step in
Meanwhile, it was learnt that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan might step in to resolve the crisis plaguing the ISL matches in Kochi. The sports minister has been entrusted with the task of acting as an intermediary between the organisers and government departments to find an amicable solution to the dispute. If the initial round of talks fails to settle the differences between the two parties, the chief minister would intervene, sources said.
Kerala Blasters had alleged that the police personnel who manned the entry points at the stadium allowed ticketless persons to enter the venue to express their displeasure over the management’s refusal to offer them complimentary tickets in bulk.
Based on the Manorama report, State Police Chief Loknath Behera has directed the Inspector General of Police, Ernakulam Range, to probe into the alleged incident.
