VASCO
A reliable source informed The Goan that the Tilak Maidan had reportedly been rejected due to uneven levelling of the ground and for security reasons.
"The Tilak Maidan at Vasco has a commercial complex on one side and office windows open directly to the ground and this can be a security concern for international football players practicing at the Tilak Maidan," said the source.
"There is no clear indication whether or not this ground has been cancelled as a practice venue for the players, but no team has arrived for practice sessions since the past 10 days," the source added.
Another source informed The Goan that some officials were upset over uneven levelling of the football ground, making it risky for the international teams to practice on the ground. Rumours that the Tilak Maidan had been rejected for practice session quickly spread far and wide in the port town.
When contacted, Director of Sports V M Prabhudessai informed that his department had not received any intimation regarding the rejection of Tilak Maidan for practice sessions.
"The teams have just arrived in Goa and selection of grounds for practice sessions is the prerogative of the teams." "The FIFA is extremely happy with the arrangements and we have not received any official correspondence from FIFA regarding the rejection of Tilak Maidan for practice sessions," said Prabhudessai.
Asked to comment on the absence of teams for practice matches at the Tilak Maidan, Prabhudessai suggested that distance to the ground could have been one factor.
Responding to claims of uneven surface at the Tilak Maidan, the director added: "The sudden unexpected rains have also caused concern and these rains can cause a little wear and tear to the grounds."
