‘AIFF to follow zero-tolerance policy to ensure safety of teams for Hero I-League Qualifier’
All India Football Federation will maintain a “zero tolerance” policy while putting in “paramount importance” on the safety of players and officials during the Hero I-League Qualifier 2020.
The Qualifiers kick-off on October 8 where five teams will play in a round-robin format and face each other once. Matches are slated to take place at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata and Kalyani Stadium till October 19.
Sunando Dhar, CEO, Leagues maintained the kick-off of the Qualifier will come in as a huge sense of relief to all. “After a prolonged halt in sporting actions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, we’re going to resume football in India through the Hero I-League qualifiers. It’s going to bring a sense of relief to players, officials, club management as well as us,” he averred.
“There can never be any compromise with the safety of players and officials. We will be ensuring that all appropriate medical support is being given to the teams,” Sunando stated.
“The dos and don’ts have already been shared with the respective teams. We have laid down the SOP which is in line with the guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India,” the CEO affirmed.
The AIFF have already confirmed to prepare a bio-secure bubble, in its effort to insulate all the teams, with regular tests being done. Moreover, all teams will be put up in a ‘five-star deluxe hotels in Kolkata, and “under no circumstances will one will be allowed to move out, or come in contact with someone who’s “not part of the bio-secure bubble.”
“In the first of its kind of initiative, All India Football Federation has decided to put up all the teams and match officials in a five-star hotel. Prior to reporting, all the teams need to carry out RT-PCR test (Gold-standard test) twice for each member who’ll be part of the contingent during the Hero I-League qualifiers 2020,” Dhar informed.
While the first test must be conducted between September 15 and 18, 2020, the following one will need to be done between September 22 and 23. Only those players and officials whose both reports will be negative will be allowed into the designated team hotel. Reports will have to be uploaded on AIFF CMS before the date of arrival at the team hotel.
Once all the teams check-in, All India Football Federation will monitor every member through regular checks including body temperature, oxygen level, etc, as well as RT-PCR test on pre-determined dates.
After reaching the hotel, the first scheduled RT-PCR test will be conducted on September 28, 2020. If any team member will test positive, he/ she will be isolated without any delay while others will be allowed to resume training.
The teams will also be provided dedicated time slots for their gym sessions.
“AIFF-appointed officials will supervise daily check-ups and make sure everyone is fully fit and out of danger. Any kind of sickness will be reported without any delay, and proper action will be taken by our medical team. AIFF is working closely with IFA (India Football Association) and will try to ensure no loose ends during the entire process,” Mr. Dhar assured.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jaydeep Mukherjee, Hony. General Secretary, Indian Football Association sounded optimistic about holding the entire tournament successfully.
“It’s going to be a great honour for IFA to have got the opportunity of hosting the qualifier. This increases our responsibility by manifolds as it’s going to be the first sporting activity after a long and the entire country will look up to us,” he opined. “We need to make sure it is a resounding success which will, in turn, give us the confidence before the forthcoming edition of Hero I-League,” Mr. Mukherjee stated.
Further, regular RT-PCR tests will be conducted on October 4 (Sunday), October 9 (Friday) and October 19 (Wednesday). If any team member will be tested positive, he/she will be isolated immediately. Meanwhile, no replacement will be allowed although All India Football Federation will allow signing new players till September 30 (Wednesday).
“It’s not that we’re only focusing on the teams. Match officials will also need to undergo the same process as well as the ground staff. On those stipulated days, everyone and whoever directly connected to the operations will need to appear for the COVID-19 tests including AIFF officials.”
CREDITS: AIFF Media
Also Read: I was not born with a silver spoon, but I’ve chosen a road less taken – Sahil Kumar
For articles on unknown talented footballers – visit here
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
RFDL’s National Championship Preview: A Heated Battle as Football’s Brightest Stars Vie for Title Win in the Final Four Showdown
The National Championship of the elite U-21 youth tournament, the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) begins on May 14, Tuesday, with four teams, i.e. defending champions Bengaluru FC, Muthoot FA, East Bengal…
Punjab FC, East Bengal FC to lock horns in Reliance Foundation Development League 2023 – 24 final after emerging triumphant in semis
Bengaluru FC and Muthoot FA to fight out in the third-place playoff Mumbai, May 14: Punjab FC and East Bengal FC qualified for the final of the Reliance Foundation Development League…
RFDL is the ultimate scouting platform – Thangboi Singto, Hyderabad FC Head Coach
Hyderabad FC head coach, Thangboi Singto, hailed the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) as the premier scouting ground for budding football players in India. As the 2023-24 season’s National Championship…
Big brother, wonderful human being, the GOAT: Chhetri an inspiration to teammates
BHUBANESWAR: As the Indian senior men’s team gathered in the Kalinga Stadium gym for their session on Thursday morning, there was a hush in the room. Less than an hour ago,…
A beautiful dream will come to an end on June 6, says Sunil Chhetri
BHUBANESWAR: The journey that began in 2006 in the faraway city of Quetta in Pakistan, will finally come to an end in Kolkata on June 6, 2024, after an eventful 19…
Sunil Chhetri: A glorious international career at a glance
Born: August 3, 1984 Debut on June 12, 2005: vs Pakistan (Quetta) Matches played: 150 (captain in 87 matches) Goals scored: 94 (Top goalscorer for India) Trophies Won– Achievements– Awards– Also Read: Big brother, wonderful…
Chembur United-Jupiter FC and GKW Ranger Ease Past in their Outing in MFA First Division
In an exhilarating showdown in the MFA First Division, Chembur United-Jupiter FC cruised past Companeroes SC with a comprehensive 4-0 victory, while GKW Rangers edged out MH Oranje FC with…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…