ISL relaxes quarantine in Goa bio-bubble, 'full vaccination' mandatory

The league is gearing up for its new season, which is likely to commence in November.

The eighth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) is getting closer. The ISL 2021-22 season is likely to commence from November 2021 onward. Like the previous campaign, the ISL will once again take place inside a bio-bubble in Goa. With the country looking at a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers have decided to play out the league in another bio-bubble. The clubs have received a notification regarding the restrictions, which will be in effect once those involved enter the secure environment.

The organizers have directed the clubs to ensure that every individual on their travelling roster is fully vaccinated. “The ISL is gearing up for the new season. The organisers have mandated that all members, who are to be part of the bio-bubble must be fully vaccinated. Upon arrival in Goa, they will serve a seven-day quarantine, instead of the previously considered 14-days,” a source close to the developments informed Khel Now.

The previous season in Indian football saw the Indian Super League, I-League and I-League Qualifiers take place under stringent restrictions. The pandemic situation is still persistent in the country and the return to normalcy is far away. Therefore, it makes sense for the organizers to conduct the upcoming campaign with similar restrictions in place.

Mandatory Vaccination

However, there was a lack of vaccine availability last year, which is not the case this time around. The clubs now must ensure that their players and staff have received both of their vaccine doses. Furthermore, they will need to quarantine on arrival in Goa, in line with the SOPs. The travelling company will need to strictly adhere to the bio-bubble guidelines and must avoid a breach.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

It is imperative that all stakeholders take responsibility for the smooth functioning of the top flight in India. A respite is the seven-day quarantine instead of the 14-days, since the vaccine has become mandatory for all involved.

While staying inside the bio-bubble could be challenging for the players, it is a solution that works for the time being. The arrangements in the previous campaign were top-notch. One can expect a smoother organization of the league since the guidelines and adherence to them is clearer than the last term.

For more football updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.