KOCHI: The FIFA inspection team that arrived in Kochi to ascertain preparations for the U-17 World Cup has expressed concerns on the progress of the work.
In a press conference at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue of the event, FIFA head of tournaments, Jaime Yarza, said the work has not progressed enough and is a matter of deep concern.
"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 unrestricted support and get the urgency of the situation, because there are a lot of changes that need to be made to the stadium," Yarza said.
Requesting the state government to pull up its socks to finish the work in the newly laid down deadline of May 15, Yarza also raised concerns over the security issues that arose due to the presence of shops in the vicinity of 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 of grave concern; 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 equipment also needs to be taken out. Overall, work needs to happen, and State Government needs to make it happen fast.”
Speaking at the press conference after the inspection, Local Organising Committee Tournament Director Javier Ceppi said, “Over the past month, there has been a decent amount of work that has been done in Kochi. Unfortunately, it is a well-known fact that almost no work could happen last year while ISL was happening and that has had an impact on the renovation timelines for the JNI Stadium. It is lost time that we need to make up fast.
Sports Minister A C Moideen assured FIFA officials that the works will be completed before the deadline. "We took stock of the situation in a review meet last week and have expedited the works since then. The state government will take all measures to complete the works before the given deadline," he said.
Also present were AP M Mohammad Hanish, Nodal Officer for Government of Kerala, KMI Mather, Vice President - AIFF, TP Dasan, President, Kerala State Sports Council and Joy Bhattacharjya, Project Director, Local Organising Committee.
The delegation will travel to Navi Mumbai and Guwahati next before it concludes its inspection visit at Kolkata.