The Indian Super League final between ATK FC and Chennaiyin FC on March 14 will be played in an empty Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Margao, Goa, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers said on Thursday.
The decision was taken owing to a directive from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to the Indian Olympic Association (IOC), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and all other recognised sports bodies, including the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
ALSO READ: ATK storm into final with 3-1 win over Bengaluru
As per the directive, no sporting event should be conducted with public gathering. "You are advised to adhere to the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and ensure that no public gathering takes place in any sporting event," reads the letter.
However, it continues to say that, "In the event the sporting event cannot be avoided, the same could be done without allowing the gathering of people, including spectators."
ALSO READ: Chennaiyin survive FC Goa onslaught to reach ISL final
So, the league organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) have decided to hold the season's final behind closed doors.
