In 2020, FSDL took a major decision of staging India’s showpiece football tournament behind closed doors at a central venue last season. Goa was chosen as the tournament destination by the League organizers. While Kolkata and Kochi were also leading the race. And now ISL- Indian Super League 2021-22 is also likely to be staged in Goa once again as Football Monk can exclusively confirm.
ISL again in Goa?
The organizers held a meeting along with all ISL clubs today, to discuss the upcoming season. Interestingly, SC East Bengal also attended the meeting, hinting at a piece of positive news for the red and gold fans. The league organizers and Clubs jointly discussed the possibilities for the upcoming year.
Club sources from the meeting confirmed that the league is most likely to take place in Goa. And the Clubs are expected to receive the SOPs for the new season by August. Football Monk understands the league organizers are all set for a repeat of last year’s operation procedure with the venues remaining more or less the same.
Last season’s Bio-Bubble
Last season the league was hosted at three venues Fatorda Stadium, GMC Athletic Stadium, and Tilak Maidan Stadium. All teams were kept under a central bio bubble. Thus Players and staff had to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine before entering the bubble. The tough procedures made sure all the 110 league stage matches were conducted swiftly without any hassles.
Being a closed-door affair, fans weren’t allowed inside the galleries. Instead, virtual galleries on giant screens were installed. Media as well were not allowed inside the venues. The bubble ensured nobody comes to any external contacts during the stretch of the tournament. Ball Boys were also restricted last season. The league organizers in fact established their own covid testing facilities at Goa, managing tests exclusively for the league and its associates.
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