KOCHI: The FIFA’s demand to down the shutters of shops and establishments operating in the stadium complex ahead of the U-17 WC might turn out to be a thorn in the flesh for the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), who runs the facility.
There are more than 100 shops and establishments operating, mostly on lease, on the outside of the massive Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium. Being a venue without an immediate compund wall, a public road surrounds the stadium with shops and establishments nestled under the gallery structures.
Highlighting the security aspects inherent in such a venue, the FIFA inspection team that visited the stadium last month said they were concerned with the stores operating in the stadium building and wanted it to be closed from 10 days prior to the event.
Kochi will host a total of eight matches, including a pre-quarterfinal and a quarterfinal each. The first of the six group matches here will be played on October 7 and the quarterfinal on October 18. If the GCDA budges to the FIFA demand, it would have to close shops in the complex for at least 21 days. The move is likely to draw the ire of shop owners and it would be a herculean task for the GCDA to enforce the FIFA diktat.
“The demand to close shops 10 days prior to the event and during the tournament is ridiculous,” said a shop owner.
“It will have a crippling effect on our business. We will suffer huge financial losses and our business will be in tatters. GCDA should take a decision only after discussing with us.”
During the last ISL, shops were asked to down shutters on match days only.
“It’s not the first time the stadium is going to host a match. We used to close shops on match days. We are paying rent to GCDA for the space. How is it possible for them to demand the closure of the shops for such a long time? It is not possible. GCDA should stick to it’s earlier stand of closing shops only on match days,” said a cafteria owner.
The GCDA Chairman, though, maintained all the shops operating in the stadium complex would be closed prior to the commencement of the tournament.
“The demand to pull shutters on shops has been made by FIFA for the smooth conduct of the World Cup. We will adhere to their demand and close all shops prior to the event. All shops and establishments are operating on a conditional lease and we don’t think there is going to be an issue. We will officially inform our decision to the parties concerned when the time arrives,” Mohanan said.