ISL: All clubs confirm, home venues remain uncertain

Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has received confirmation of participation from all Indian Super League (ISL) cubs, and even though some said they are waiting for a word from the sports ministry to take an informed decision, the federation expects the league to kick off next month with 14 teams.
Last week, the AIFF asked clubs to send the details of the venues where they plan to play their home matches by Monday noon, so that it can start working on the schedule.
“All 14 clubs have confirmed (participation),” AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan told TOI. “We will have a meeting with the clubs on Tuesday where a presentation will be made on the composition of the governing board and council. Once the council is formed, we will release the short-term RFQ. We will also have discussions about the venues.”
Some clubs said while they “await responses” on the points raised with the sports ministry, they’ve been doing their homework and preparing internally on matters that are within its control. FC Goa, for example, has provided all logistical information with Fatorda as home, but wants clarity on points that were discussed with govt and AIFF.
Most clubs’ choice with their home venues was straightforward: Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal at Salt Lake stadium; FC Goa at Fatorda, Jamshedpur at JRD Tata Sports Complex, and NorthEast United in Guwahati. Chennaiyin and Bengaluru FC are also keen on playing at home, even though their home venues will need sprucing.
The top-tier ISL will feature 91 matches on a home-and-away basis, with clubs playing 6/7 matches at home or away, depending on draw of lots. According to sources, at least two clubs – Inter Kashi FC and Mohammedan Sporting – will play all their matches away from home, while Kerala and Goa could have most of their matches at home.
“With regard to our home venue, given that the season is proposed to be conducted under a Swiss System with a single leg format, and in the larger interest of the growth of Indian football, we are willing to play all our matches in an away format this season,” Inter Kashi wrote to AIFF on Monday. “This, we believe, will allow other clubs to maximise matchday revenues while collectively contributing to the momentum and visibility of the league.”
Cost is understood to be a major factor behind Mohammedan’s thinking of playing matches away rather than incur cost of organising a home match.
Mumbai City will have to wait till after the civic body elections to decide on their home venue. Goa and Kerala are understood to be alternatives should the Mumbai Football Arena be out of reach.