AIFF’s ‘non-negotiable’ floodlight rule puts Indian football club in crisis

NEW DELHI: In the middle of an already delayed Indian Football League (IFL) season, Rajasthan United will meet the government officials to request an alternate home venue. The club, second in the IFL standings, have been put in a tough spot following All India Football Federation's (AIFF) directive of organising matches under floodlights from April 19 onwards.

Rajasthan United play their home games at Jaipur's Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium, which was built by Rajasthan State Sports Council and Jaipur Development Authority. The venue doesn't have floodlights installed.

In a letter to the IFL clubs, AIFF asked the club's "cooperation" to address the "league's broadcast commitments and commercial standing."




The letter made clear that starting April 19, all IFL matches will kick off at 6:30 pm IST.

"Since all forthcoming fixtures will be held post-sunset, fully operational floodlights at the match venue will be an absolute and non-negotiable requirement for every fixture going forward," stated the letter.

The AIFF further asked that clubs find alternative venues in case their current home grounds are unable to host evening fixtures.

In case a club is unable to host a game with fully operational floodlights, they will be fined Rs 9 lakh for every game missed.

"...we must be transparent if any club that fails to comply with the 6:30 PM kick-off requirement, or plays a match at a venue without fully operational floodlights, will be liable to a financial penalty of INR 9,00,000/- (Rupees Nine Lakhs Only) per instance," said the letter.

RUFC to meet govt officials

The directive comes more than halfway into the IFL season, with all teams having played seven matches each.

A club official told TimesofIndia.com that they're going to speak to the government and seek a solution. It is not the first time that the club have approached the state government on the matter.

If they fail in this endeavour, their other options include discussions with AIFF to play their home games at 5 pm instead. The other option includes playing their home games at Namdhari FC or Dempo SC’s grounds.

Rajasthan United FC have won four of their five home games in the ongoing IFL season, picking 13 points from a possible 15.



They are one of three clubs to have not lost a home game so far, the others being Sreenidi Deccan FC and Dempo FC, but they've earned fewer points.

Rajasthan United currently occupy second place in the IFL points table with 14 points from seven matches played, trailing Diamond Harbour Football Club by two points.
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