No plan to exit Kochi, will renew stadium contract once ISL dates are out: Kerala Blasters

The Kerala Blasters management said they had not considered shifting their home ground from the Jawaharlal Nehru International (JNI) Stadium at Kaloor in Kochi, despite reports claiming the ISL side was contemplating a move away from the state.

Abhik Chatterjee, CEO of Kerala Blasters, told Onmanorama that they were awaiting an announcement on the status of the ISL season, which is likely to begin in December. He said the club has a cordial relationship with the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) that owns the JNI.

"We're not involved in the Messi match, so we're not party to any work that is going on there," Abhik Chatterjee said. "But we are in constant dialogue with them (GCDA). From their side, they have said all the work will be finished in November."

The rumours were fanned by ongoing maintenance work at and around the JNI in connection with a visit by Lionel Messi and his Argentine national team. Even though the high-profile visit fell through due to alleged contractual issues between the sponsor and the Argentine Football Association, it is understood that the renovation work has not been stopped.

Chatterjee said they were not bothered by the stadium works and were confident of re-entering a contract with the GCDA once the ISL season is announced. "Annually, our contract is renewed based on the ISL calendar, and the rents are revised every year. This year, as there are no ISL dates yet, there is no (existing) contract. Right now, we are waiting, and we will keep an eye on the developments," he said.

The impasse over the use of the stadium, which has served as the Blasters' home ground since the start of the ISL in 2014, stems from the uncertainty over the beginning of the ISL season. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), did not renew the Master Rights agreement, which is due in December. Following a Supreme Court intervention, the AIFF is in the process of appointing another commercial partner to resume its flagship event. As a result of the stand-off, the season, which was expected to start in September, stands suspended.

Under the circumstances, and with the Blasters not renewing their contract with the GCDA, unconfirmed reports surfaced that the club was considering a possible move to Ahmedabad, Pune or Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, the Blasters CEO said they expect the venue to be handed over to them if and when the ISL dates are announced. In what condition would the Blasters accept the stadium when it is eventually handed over? "We expect the minimum requirements to be met," Chatterjee said.

Does it mean the stadium must be in a similar condition to when it was returned to GCDA after last season's contract ended? "More or less in the same condition. See, contrary to what some people say, the Blasters have maintained the ground even after the season, until it was taken over by someone for works in connection with the Messi visit," Chatterjee said. So, till about October, the Blasters maintained the JNI ground? "Yes."