Kolkata : With anticipation building around the Indian Senior Men’s National Team’s upcoming FIFA Tier 1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey on Thursday outlined the ticketing arrangements for football fans and clubs in West Bengal.
Speaking at a press meet, Chaubey said the Indian team will face Panama on September 25, Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6, with all three opponents currently ranked inside the FIFA top 50.
He addressed concerns over ticket access for members and supporters of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting. Chaubey said the Indian Football Association (IFA) will act as the nodal point for ticket allocation.
“If any club needs tickets, they can inform through the IFA regarding how many tickets are required. Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting will allocate a dedicated area in their stadium premises where ticket sales will be arranged. This way, the members or fans of the respective clubs can directly go to their club tent to collect their tickets,” he said.
“Clubs will request tickets through the IFA, which will manage the allocation at discounted rates”.
The AIFF is also looking to take the matches beyond Kolkata through Fan Parks across districts just like IPL.
“On promoting grassroots football, while AIFF’s direct reach is limited, we propose creating Fan Parks across districts so young academy kids and fans outside Kolkata can watch the matches together on big screens” , Kalyan Chaubey said to the members of the press.
More than 14,000 seats in the middle tier behind both goalposts, in the B2 and D2 sections, will be made available to IFA-registered clubs and the three major Kolkata clubs at discounted rates.
Kalyan Chaubey also provided an update on preparations for the India-Brazil fixture. A five member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation visited Kolkata to inspect the arrangements and the ongoing work at the stadium.
“I am glad to inform you that they gave a very positive report”, Chaubey said.
He mentioned that there were initial concerns over the condition of the pitch following extensive use during the Durand Cup and the monsoons; the field is now in much better shape and is expected to improve further. The two practice grounds adjacent to the stadium are also being prepared ahead of the high-profile fixture.
