Kerala Blasters gave NOC for non-sporting event, but a clause was violated
GCDA that owns the stadium has agreed to rectify issues.
GCDA that owns the stadium has agreed to rectify issues.
GCDA that owns the stadium has agreed to rectify issues.
The Chairman of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) that owns Kerala Blasters home ground has agreed to rectify the damages caused to the field of play (FoP) after a non-sporting event.
"But first, we will inspect the venue and see what damages have been caused. If there are damages that will be rectified," said K Chandran Pillai, Chairman, GCDA.
The Blasters issued a statement on Saturday claiming a 'non-sporting, third-party event' hosted on the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor in Kochi on December 29 has caused serious damages to the field of play.
The event concerned was an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the biggest Bharatnatyam performance with the participation of more than 11,000 dancers.
NOC and clause
The GCDA has repeatedly said that the Blasters gave an NOC (No Objection Certificate) for the dance event. Sources Onmanorama spoke to have confirmed that the Blasters gave an NOC.
However, it is understood that the NOC had a specific clause that the FoP must be untouched. The FoP includes the entire portion of the ground where the match takes place. That clause was violated by the third-party, Mridanga Vision that hosted the dance event.
A thorough examination of the event that was live-streamed, and the video of which is still available on YouTube, shows participants occupying the FoP. But the GCDA maintains that it did not happen. "Just because they (Blasters) say so, it need not be true," Chandran Pillai said.
The Blasters are set to play a home match on the venue on Monday (Jan 13) against Odisha FC.