NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday rescheduled the timings of the Phase 2 fixtures of the ongoing Hero I-League 2021/22 season following calls by the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) to move the games due to intense heatwave conditions in West Bengal.
“Keeping in mind the well-being of the players, the I-League has decided to make a change in kick-off timings,” the league stated in a press release issued Wednesday.
“With the prevalent heat conditions existing in the state of West Bengal wherein the maximum temperatures are touching 40 degrees Celcius, it is rather unfortunate that the I-League organisers are conducting matches at 3pm in the afternoon,” a statement from the FPAI issued Monday read.
The statement further read: “The health ministry’s notification states that people should stay indoor during this heat wave and the conditions are far from conducive to even walk on the road, while the players are playing 90 minute matches. It is rather sad and unfortunate that the Federation and league organisers of the country have no concern on the health hazard faced by professional footballers playing in these extreme conditions.
“We would once again urge the Federation to reschedule the 3pm matches keeping in the mind the health and safety of the footballers.”
Keeping in mind the announcement made by the MeT office and the plea of the FPAI, the AIFF declared that for the remainder of I-League Phase 2, all games that were previously scheduled to be played at 3pm have been shifted to an hour later and will now be played at 4pm.
For updated Phase 2 fixtures, click here…
