Following reports of Kerala Blasters considering shifting their home ground from Kochi after facing several hindrances from the district administration, the state government had yesterday stepped in and announced they would intervene in the issue. Now, latest reports in Mathrubhumi claim the state government is considering setting up a committee to ensure the same. The administration has gotten in touch with Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), Kochi Corporation and the Kerala Football Association (KFA), according to the report.
There were reports that the police and other government agencies were not working against the interest of the team and that the Blasters might shift their home ground from Kochi in the seventh season of the Indian Super League. Sports Minister E.P. Jayarajan said that the state government was in full support of the team but certain stakeholders were failing to do the same.
“There seems to be many hindrances right from permission to play matches. This is a cause of concern. The government will hold talks with Kerala Blasters authorities and other stakeholders involved in conducting the matches. Kochi boasts the most number of ISL spectators. It is our pride that we have a team in the league which is gathering attention around the world. We need to do lot more to ensure matches are conducted properly and the spectators have a good time”, said the Jayarajan
There are also reports that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan may also get involved in the talks. Vijayan is expected to interfere if there is no breakthrough following talks between the sports minister and the stakeholders.
There were also reports earlier that football enthusiasts were unhappy with the overcharging of food, beverages and packaged water during the ISL matches. Fans were also angered by the seating arrangements at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium where the Kerala Blasters play their home games.