Strict regulations and mismanagement killed football spirit in Kochi

Strict regulations implemented by FIFA coupled with the mismanagement of local authorities resulted in low attendance for the first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup match in Kochi.
Although an average of 51000 people attended the home matches of Kerala Blasters in ISL, FIFA had limited the headcount in the gallery to 41700 to cope with FIFA norms. It was further downed to 29000, But fearing the shortage of seats, a large number of ticket holders didn't turn up and the attendence for the match was recorded at 21000.The tickets were sold out on the day before the match.
Spectators complained that FIFA volunteers failed to identify the seat locations from the tickets and they had to run around the stadium ring road to find the correct gate.
The food and beverages were also sold at a higher price inside the stadium. By the second half of the first match, the shortage of water was reported by catering staff and even though the spectators were ready to buy water at a higher price, the sellers had no stock. Then they arranged more water which was sold at Rs. 10 per glass.
Kamalesh Thekkekad, a journalist from Kasargod district in Northern Kerala said that he couldn't see the football spirit he saw in ISL during FIFA matches and the empty stands were a boring scene. Kamalesh returned home before the second match started.
Another spectator, Harilal from Kottayam district opined that strict regulations are needed and this is the first time he is seeing a standard football game in India. "Apart from the overpriced drinking water, there were no much issues. Those who attended the match were true football lovers," Hari added.
FIFA has announced that they will not charge for drinking water from next match onwards.
Read this story in Malayalam here