Chennaiyin FC face home uncertainty as JLN Stadium is unavailable ahead of ISL season
Chennaiyin FC is almost sure to be pushed out of its assigned home, the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in Chennai, before the start of the Indian Super League (ISL) season on February 14. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had contacted the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) on January 16, asking it to permit Chennaiyin to play six matches at the JLN on a ‘rent-free basis’. The Nehru Stadium, which is managed by the SDAT, is presently under construction for a Renault car launch event, which will take place on January 26.
Protective measures in place as AR Rahman concert precedes ISL
Non-sporting events normally use plastic sheets, but they are now being laid out to cover and protect the playing surface ahead of the event. There are also several steel structures being built on the ground for what looks like a temporary stage. The place will be occupied on February 14, by artist AR Rahman’s music concert, which is probably going to be the kickoff of the ISL campaign, thus placing the two-time champion in a difficult situation.
ISL pitch is deemed unfit as event organisers restrict maintenance access
If the turf is thoroughly examined, it would be revealed that the surface is presently not fit for first-class football, with many portions of grass being cut off. Moreover, no care for the playing surface will be done until the middle of February, but events will still cause a lot of wear and tear on it.
Reports say that the Chennaiyin’s pitch-caring team was not let in by the organizers of these events on Wednesday. A lot of effort will have to be put in for the surface to be made safe for playing and the SDAT is quite sure that this will be done by the first week of March.
SDAT to ensure JLN Stadium turf is ready by March for Chennaiyin
“We can ensure the playing surface will be ready by March 5 for Chennaiyin to use for the ISL,” JLN Stadium Officer P Venkatesh told Sportstar. “SDAT will handle the maintenance cost to get the surface ready,” he added.
This indicates that Chennaiyin will have to wait until March to conduct its home games. The team is looking for other places in Tamil Nadu, as well as ISL match venues from other states, that can be used for their games in the meantime.
Club emphasises legacy and local ties while addressing stadium issues
“Chennaiyin FC’s intent has always been to be based in Chennai, and our continued investment in Tamil Nadu football since 2014 reflects that commitment. We do not wish to look at alternate venues, but ensuring safe and good playing conditions, along with sustainable match-hosting costs, is essential. We are in dialogue with the relevant authorities and remain hopeful of the required support so we can continue building a club that Chennai and Tamil Nadu can truly call their own,” a senior club official told this publication.
Chennaiyin has utilised this location for their home matches since 2014, when the club was established, except for the two leagues that had to be canceled due to Covid-19 between 2020-2022.