Kerala Premier League semi-finalists and potential I-League entrant Gokulam FC is confident of a solution to issues surrounding the football ground in Manjeri and hopes to take the field within a month, a source close to the club told Goal.
The Manjeri football ground is where the club wishes to play their home games when the season kicks off but it has been embroiled in controversy. The football ground, situated in the football crazy district of Malappuram, is presently not in a condition to host matches due to poor maintenance and the club has had to consult the sports minister regarding the issue. The outcome of the meeting has been positive and the problem is nearing a solution, Goal has reliably learnt.
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The Malappuram-based club coached by Bino George had earlier secured the Kottapady ground on a one-year contract for 10 months. There was a clause in the contract that allowed the shutting down of the ground for two months - June and July, due to rain. The club did not have to pay rent during the shut-down but it resulted in poor maintenance of the pitch.
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During the Kerala Premier League, the semifinal involving Gokulam FC was moved to Thrissur due to issues with the ground and such a change on short-notice created further problems for the upcoming club. To add insult to injury, news spread that the club is looking to move grounds to the neighbouring district of Calicut.
Although Calicut remains a feasible option for Gokulam FC since its ground was earlier offered to the club for free, the club unequivocally preferred the Manjeri ground due to the sports fanatics of Malappuram.
However, such a news report did not go down well with the district officials and they proceeded to deny the club's request to use their preferred ground.
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Matters took a turn for the worse soon after, as the Kottapady ground was also denied as an alleged 'revenge'. The officials sought clarification on the news that circulated against them in the media and demanded a public statement from the club in favour of the district officials.
The club, promoted by Gokulam Gopalan, decided to take matters to the sports minister and a committee was formed to take the ultimate decision. It was thus decided that the ground would be provided after a month of maintenance work, much to the relief of the club officials.
Gokulam FC is awaiting the result of a bid to play in the I-League, as reported earlier by Goal. If their bid is accepted, they will be the first team from Kerala to play in the I-League since the relegation of Chirag United Kerala after the 2011-12 season.
Gokulam FC was launched by the Chief Minister of the state earlier this year and has roped in Bino George, who holds an AFC professional license in coaching, as the head coach.