FIFA’s inspection team on Friday expressed “deep concern” over the pace of work at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, one of the six venues selected to host matches in the Under-17 World Cup later this year, and set May 15 as the deadline for completing the work.
PTI
KOCHI
“It’s unfortunate, the state that the JNI Stadium in Kochi is in currently, needless to say if we want the ground to play host to a World Cup, we need the authorities to step up now,” FIFA head of events, Jaime Yarza, said after inspecting the main ground. “The venue has a very strong football culture and it would be a matter of great shame if we don’t manage to fulfil the requirements in time.” A team of 21 members of FIFA and the Local Organising Committee carried out the inspection. Yarza said: “I was here last February and, to be honest, while some work has happened, it’s by far not enough, which is a matter of deep concern. The state government must get involved, give us an unrestricted support and understand the urgency of the situation, because there are a lot of changes that need to be made to the stadium.
“The work needs to be done by May 15 and given the large amount of renovation that must happen, work has to go on full speed. Also, the situation of the stores is quite concerning: from a security standpoint they cannot be opened during the tournament.
“There are stores with fuel tanks, which is a grave safety and security concern, so their equipments also need to be taken out. Overall, work needs to happen, and the state government needs to make them happen fast.”
