Delhi to host Santosh Trophy, AIFF underwhelmed about Ambedkar Stadium's facilities

The tournament will be held from 1-15 April, 2019.

Football Delhi has been given the hosting rights of the upcoming Santosh Trophy, by the All India Football Federation. The national capital last hosted the knockout competition in 2004 and have also held it once more in 1944.

Delhi #SantoshTrophy pic.twitter.com/LQMbdUzvnr

— Football Delhi (@FootballDelhi) March 7, 2019

The competition will be held between 1-15 April, 2019.

Although, the permission comes with a condition; the AIFF wants the tournament to held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, rather than the state association's home turf, which is the Ambedkar Stadium. According to The Times of India, AIFF officials are not satisfied with the facilities at the Old Delhi-based stadium; especially the condition of the dressing rooms.

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However, according to the report, Football Delhi president Shaji Prabhakaran has confirmed that the facilities at the Ambedkar Stadium will be improved and made better ahead of the Santosh Trophy. 

He has also reportedly sent a letter to Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore to permit the use of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for free, but hasn't been reverted to yet.

#Delhi let's make the organisation of 73rd Santosh Trophy a success to boost football development in the National Capital Region.Delhi twice hosted the #SantoshTrophy 1944 and 2004. https://t.co/e4DsXxR6k1

— Shaji Prabhakaran (@Shaji4Football) March 7, 2019

Prabhakaran further told TOI that the costs for using the JLN Stadium are not feasible for Football Delhi, which also included logistics. Further, the ground won't be packed by spectators due to its sheer size.