FIFA sanctions $2 million grant for Cooperage

In what can potentially be the answer to city’s infrastructural woes, FIFA has sanctioned $2 million for the renovation of Cooperage football ground, a top All India Football Federation official informed.

The amount has been granted as a part of FIFA’s Win in India with India programme, and Cooperage is the only ground from the country to receive the financial assistance. The decision was announced during a meeting of Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Ad Hoc committee for Indian Professional Football in New Delhi on Wednesday. The meeting was presided by AFC president and FIFA presidential candidate Mohammad bin Hammam.

“Cooperage has a nostalgia attached to it, and it is a very important venue for football in the country. It is a known fact that the ground needs to be refurbished and that is the reason why we have decided to sanction the amount to Cooperage,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das told DNA. “FIFA has allotted $2.5 million for stadium renovations. Out of that, $2 million is allotted to Cooperage and the rest of the amount will be divided among other venues. This grant does not include the cost FIFA is bearing for laying of the artificial turfs which are sanctioned by them,” Das added.

The Western India Football Association (WIFA) has already chalked out the plan to refurbish Cooperage. It is learnt that apart from new flood lights, temporary stands with proper seating facilities will be created, which can accommodate up to 6,500 people. The dressing rooms will also be renovated. “We all know that Mumbai desperately needs a good football ground and our aim is to provide that. It is very good news for us,” said CEO, WIFA, Henry Menezes.

The process to lay the artificial turf at Cooperage has already begun and is expected to take two to three months at least. But because of a High Court order, the WIFA cannot make physical changes to the ground. An AFC committee will inspect the progress at the venue in July.

Meanwhile, there was more good news in store for the city-based clubs as the AIFF eased its stand against the three clubs who were to be eliminated from the I-League. Air India, ONGC and Bangalore-based HAL have been given an extension of one year to meet the guidelines set by the AFC.