AIFF all set to organise I-League in bio-bubble

KOLKATA: There is no denying that it’s quite difficult to stay in a bio-bubble for an extended period. However, in the given circumstances, that seems to be the safest way to conduct a league.
After I-League qualifiers and ongoing Indian Super League, the I-League which will be played in Bengal from Saturday will also be held with the teams in bio-bubble. The I-League will continue for a duration of about three months.
The teams will surely have plans to keep the players mentally fresh and rejuvenated.At the same time, the All India Football Federation is also chalking out ways to help in that cause.
The I-League has at its disposal big halls in both hotels where the teams are staying. The clubs just need to inform the league and use those rooms either to hold meetings or for recreational purposes.
Additionally, the AIFF is also mulling the option of having some outdoor activities for the teams, but by strictly ensuring the bio-bubble is not breached. “We have plans but everything will depend on the circumstances,” AIFF Leagues CEO Sunando Dhar said during a webinar on Thursday.
The plan is to take the teams to a movie hall and to the Eco Park, the recreation park which is close to where the teams have been put up. In both cases, the places will be properly sanitised and exclusive time slots will be sought so that the players don’t come in contact with anyone outside the bubble.
Meanwhile, Dhar without mentioning any number informed there have been a few positive cases including players and other support staff members, in tests that have been conducted after the teams entered the bio-bubble. There is a separate floor at the hotels for isolation.
The teams have separate pathways, dining area, gym timings and exit routes at the hotels from other guests. A medical hub has also been created inside the bubble so that treatment up to a certain extent can be done there and visit to a hospital be avoided.
The teams have also been given some relaxation as far as replacing players is concerned. Teams with all-Indian players can replace as many players till middle of February while other teams can replace a maximum of three foreign and as many Indian players by that time after the initial registration is complete.