All eyes on the big clubs as Fed Cup football begins tomorrow

I-League champions Dempo take on AIFF developmental side Pailan Arrows in the inaugural match at JRD Tata Complex here, while in another simultaneous match at 3pm, Mumbai FC face Shillong Lajong at Keenan Stadium, the second venue in the city.

Twelve teams divided into four groups, including defending champions Salgaocar, will vie for top honours in the premier league-cum-knockout club tournament which is being held in Jamshedpur and Siliguri.

Group A and D matches will be held in Jamshedpur while Group B and C games will be played in Siliguri which will also host the semifinals (September 26 and 27) and summit clash (September 30).

The Group A and D matches is being held here at the backdrop of an embarrassing situation over the venue.

The AIFF had earlier allotted Ranchi as one of the two hosts alongside Siliguri without an inspection being conducted. A report after an inspection being done by one of the senior vice-presidents stated that the Morabadi Stadium in Ranchi was in a perfect condition to host the matches.

Later on, after another senior vice-president made a visit to Ranchi, it was learnt that the Morabadi Stadium ground was uneven while the Mega City Sports Complex at the same city had two cricket pitches at the centre of the field.

Thereafter, it was decided that JRD Tata Sports Complex at Jamshedpur would host all the Group A and D matches. But the clubs objected to this as this would lead to one of the two matches played at the venue to kick off at lunch time.

The issue was finally resolved after the AIFF got the permission to use Keenan Stadium, which is primarily a cricket ground. MORE