Keeping in mind the forthcoming U’17 FIFA world cup, Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium will not host any football matches after January 21 next year . The iconic Sal Lake stadium better known as Yuba Bharati Krirangan will be closed because of renovation work. The newly laid YBK turf have drawn a lot of criticism from all corners , as chunks of grass were seen coming out during the recent ISL matches being played at the venue .
Newly appointed State Sports Minister Mr Arup Biswas made his first visit to the ground today . The sports minister had a long discussion with various bodies associated with the ground along with the officials from ATK , PWD and IMG-R . Since local franchise Atletico de Kolkata are almost certain to make it to the semis of ISL , there are efforts to host one the semi finals at the venue on January 04 . I League champions Mohun Bagan have already made a prior request to play their AFC cup match at the venue on January 21 , after which it will be closed for any activities . It was unanimously decided that there will be no football matches at this venue after January 21 next year . Which means local football giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will have to play their home matches of I League in Barasat and Siliguri . The premier football league of the country is due to start from January 09 next year . According to Mr Biswas , the State Government will lend it’s full support for the successful organization of U’17 FIFA world cup matches in the city . The FIFA U’17 world cup is slated to be held in 2017 . Mr Biswas further added that the State Sports Department will ensure that the stadium is in perfect shape before the event and will not compromise with it’s work since a lot of prestige is at stake both for the state and the country . The FIFA representatives will be coming down to the city in September next year to have an inspection of the arrangements .
Also present in the meeting today were representatives from Sports Turf and Golf Enterprises , the organization that is in charge of the maintenance of the ground . It is the same organization that were entrusted with the maintenance of Kanteerava stadium in Bengaluru . According to them , inadequate rest of the ground have led to this problem . There have been constant matches been played at the venue due to which the grass roots not getting the time to fix firmly in the ground . According to Mr Amit Malhotra , the founder of STGE cited the successful hosting of FIFA World Cup qualifying matches between India and Guam in Kanteerava amidst torrential downpour as the ground got enough rest . Salt Lake stadium turf will require at least 6 months rest for the ground to be in perfect shape .