AFC rejects Kanteerava Stadium for India clash against Singapore; AIFF hunt for new venue

Shillong and Goa emerge as potential venues for India vs Singapore clash

Following the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) rejection of the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is forced to seek a new venue for the crucial India vs. Singapore match.

India are scheduled to face the current group leaders, Singapore, on the 14th of October, and as per some reports, Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, was finalised as the host stadium by the AIFF. However, after inspections conducted by the AFC match commissioner, the stadium was unable to get the clearance from the confederation as several key concerns were flagged.

“The pitch is not in a good condition, and a lot of other factors are also not favourable to host an international match. Bengaluru FC normally takes charge of the stadium for their home games (in the ISL), but with the club pausing operations, the venue has been found wanting. Exclusive access to the stadium was also an issue. The AIFF has now been asked to suggest an alternative venue, ” a source close to the development shared with TOI.

Goa or Shillong likely to host the Indian Football Team

Amidst the maintenance problems at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Goa and Shillong have emerged as prospective venues for the AIFF with proper standards to host an international match.

Shillong, earlier this year, hosted Bangladesh for the AFC Asian Cup final round qualifier and was even a host stadium for the NorthEast United matches in the Indian Super League. Most recently, it was also announced as one of the five venues for the 134th Edition of the Durand Cup.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, had also received a clearance this month to host Al-Seeb in the AFC Champions League Two qualifier on the 13th of August, making the venue a feasible location for the international match.

An uphill task for the newly-appointed India head coach

Khaild Jamil will have a hectic task of qualifying to the Asian Cup as the Indian National Team has only managed to pick one point in their first two matches against Bangladesh and Hong Kong, respectively and is currently placed at the bottom of the table.

Singapore, on the other hand, has fetched 4 points and is comfortably positioned at the top of the table. With four matches remaining for either side, only the table toppers will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 to be held in Saudi Arabia.

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