GCDA to sort out clash of fixtures

KOCHI: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will mediate between Kerala Strikers, the team representing the state in the Celebrity Cricket League, and Chirag United Kerala, the only team from the state to play in the Indian Football League, to sort out a clash in the date of the match to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor.  Both teams are scheduled to play their matches on January 22, albeit without the approval of the GCDA. Kerala Strikers have also decided to launch their ticket distribution soon over the current fixtures.I-League CEO Sunando Dhar told Express that the teams and the Kerala Football Association have the freedom to take the final decision.   However, the KFA is still adamant on its stand on playing at the Nehru Stadium on January 22. KFA president K M I Mather said that they did not get any direction from the All-India Football Federation about a change in the venue or match date. “We are moving with the current match schedule. We cannot change match fixtures, as it was fixed months ago,” Mather added. He also said that the stadium was built for sports purposes, especially football, and I-League is more important than Celebrity Cricket League. Hence, the GCDA can find a solution which will satisfy football lovers.    The Kerala Strikers officials are also moving forward with the same date. Officials of the team are confident about Chirag United changing their mind and hope they will either change their date or venue.  “We expect a solution at the meeting. The date of the meeting will be decided after contacting both the team officials,” GCDA secretary George Vallakkalil told Express.