AIFF asks clubs to avoid crowded areas in Manipur advisory

Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has advised visiting clubs to ensure team members’ cell-phones are “operational and fully charged at all times” and stay away from crowded areas, local markets and public gatherings in Manipur during their time in the strife-torn state for I-League 2 matches.The north-eastern India has been beset with ethnic strife since May 2023 with over 250 people losing their lives. Football, not surprisingly, has taken a backseat with the last national-level competitive match being played in March 2023.Last season, Manipur-based I-League clubs were forced to play their home games away from the state, but competitive football has now returned with the three I-League 2 clubs -- TRAU, Neroca FC and KLASA – allowed to play their home games at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal.The AIFF, though, is not taking any chances and has issued a travel advisory which teams have been asked to strictly comply with.According to the advisory, “players, team officials, and local players associated with the teams should not leave the hotel premises without obtaining prior approval from the designated liaison officer and local authorities.” Teams have also been asked to refrain from visiting crowded areas, local markets and public gatherings without express authorisation.Teams have been “strongly advised to book their accommodation at two designated hotels which offer robust internal security measures, and additional security coverage can be arranged as needed.”“All transportation for teams must be via AIFF-approved vehicles, accompanied by security escorts for every official movement,” the competitions department of the AIFF said in the travel advisory.AIFF said the decision to host matches in Imphal has been taken after thorough consideration and in consultation with both local and central authorities.“The AIFF has received assurances from these authorities regarding the security arrangements, and all matches will be played under complete security cover. Given the ongoing security situation in the region, it is imperative that all teams strictly comply with the guidelines,” said AIFF.Churchill Bros were the last outstation team to play in Manipur on March 11, 2023.Close to two years later, FC Bengaluru United travelled to Imphal to take on KLASA FC in a seventh-round I-League clash. FCBU won 2-0 on Tuesday.Six clubs held a meeting in Kolkata last week to discuss their concerns about traveling to Manipur due to security issues. They then officially wrote to the AIFF to “reconsider any plans requiring travel to Manipur and to explore alternative arrangements to ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved in the game.”