BENGALURU, FEB 26,
With the situation in the Kashmir valley continuing to be tense, the AIFF League Committee has decided to shift Thursday’s Real Kashmir-East Bengal I-League fixture to Delhi from Srinagar.
The call was made after Real Kashmir informed the Committee in writing that it wanted the match played at a neutral venue in view of the prevailing security situation.
The effect was felt on the I-League second division too, with Wednesday’s encounter between Lonestar Kashmir and Bengaluru FC-B now postponed.
This comes after Sunday’s match involving Lonestar and ARA was called off as security agencies refused clearance. I-League CEO Sunando Dhar, however, expressed confidence that Lonestar’s next home game on March 3 would take place as scheduled.
It was also decided to refer the matter pertaining to Minerva Punjab FC’s no-show in Srinagar on February 18 to the AIFF Executive Committee.
Real Kashmir, on its part, maintained that the present uncertainty was not prevalent in Srinagar during the February 16 to 19 period.
Further, March 15 and 16 were announced as dates for the Hero Super Cup qualifiers in Bhubaneswar. The final round of the tournament will be held from March 29 to April 13 with the exact schedule set to be finalised once the AFC Cup itinerary is out.
The final round of the Hero Indian Women’s League will be held in May.
