IMPHAL, Aug 24: A team of three officials from FIFA has inspected the ongoing construction works for the installation of artificial turf at RAU Ground near Khuman Lampak Sports Complex today.
The visiting officials are Cherysantha Perera, AFC consultant from Sri Lanka, David Borja from Zurich and BMR Mehta from AIFF.
The artificial turf is to be installed under the “Win India with India” project sponsored by FIFA. Manipur and Meghalaya are the only two states of North-East selected for this project.
The visiting officials were dissatisfied with the kind of work being taken up for the installation of artificial turf. The RAU Ground was found inundated by the officials.
Speaking to IFP, David Borja stated that the artificial turf is manufactured by a well-established Italian firm and it has been widely used in European Champions League. The average life-span of the turf is 10 years. However, the turf would get spoilt within one year if the ground remains inundated.
The FIFA officials were really upset at the conduct of the state officials who are unable to take up various construction works such as drainage system prior to the installation of artificial turf at RAU Ground
YAS director, H Deleep assured the visiting officials of fulfilling all pre-requisite works for the installation of the turf.
Secretary AMFA, Ranjit Roy stated that transfer and posting of YAS director is a factor for delay in the construction of drainage system and other works necessary for the installation of the turf. All construction works would be completed soon so as to handover the artificial turf to the footballers of the state, he averred.
Meanwhile, the materials required for the installation of artificial turf have arrived Imphal. The artificial turf is likely to be installed within this year.