33rd Federation Cup: Kick-off Timings changed after heavy protests

After heavy criticism the AIFF along with their marketing partners IMG-Reliance and broadcasters Brand Value Communications Limited (News Time Bangla & News Time Assam) have decided to change the kick-off timings of the quarterfinal group league matches of the 33rd Federation Cup. The matches both in Kolkata and Pune would now kick-off at 16.00 and 19.00 IST.

Earlier it had been announced that quarterfinal group league matches would be played at 14.30 and 19.30 IST to suit the timings of the broadcaster, who is a news channel and they did not want to block key news time slots with live football.

Especially the 14.30 IST kick-off had come in for heavy criticism from the clubs and experts as to how officials from the AIFF could allow match timings to be dictated by a broadcaster which would go against the interest of the footballers and the game, then afternoon kick-offs in the scorching sun would effect the quality of the game, especially on the artificial turf at the Saltlake Stadium.

The 19.30 IST had been criticised for different reasons, mostly for the fact about how fans would get back home after such late matches without any special transportation arrangements with both the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata and Pune's Balewadi Sports Complex not in the heart of the cities.


MATCHES TO BE SHOWN LIVE

Quarterfinal Group Stage - Kolkata/Pune
17-Sep-2011: Mohun Bagan AC - Royal Wahingdoh SC (Group A, 16.00 IST)
17-Sep-2011: East Bengal Club - Mohammedan Sporting Club (Group C, 19.00 IST)
18-Sep-2011: Pailan Arrows -HAL (Group B, deferred)
18-Sep-2011: Prayag United SC - Viva Kerala (Group D, 16.00 IST)
19-Sep-2011: Pune FC - East Bengal Club (Group C, 16.00 IST)
19-Sep-2011: Shillong Lajong FC - Mohun Bagan AC (Group A, 19.00 IST)
20-Sep-2011: Mumbai FC - Pailan Arrows (Group B, 16.00 IST)
20-Sep-2011: Air India - Prayag United SC (Group D, 19.00 IST)
21-Sep-2011: Mohun Bagan AC - Churchill Brothers SC (Group A, 16.00 IST)
21-Sep-2011: East Bengal Club - Dempo SC (Group C, 19.00 IST)
22-Sep-2011: Prayag United SC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Group D, 16.00 IST)
22-Sep-2011: Air India - Viva Kerala (Group D, deferred)

Semifinals - Kolkata
25-Sep-2011: Group A Winner - Group B Winner (18.00 IST)
26-Sep-2011: Group C Winner - Group D Winner (18.00 IST)

Final - Kolkata
29-Sep-2011: Winner SF 1 - Winner SF 2 (18.00 IST)