Minerva’s AFC Cup fears baseless, says AIFF

New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has informed Minerva Punjab FC that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) was willing to change the venue for the clubs home matches in the AFC Cup, but a decision has to be taken quickly. This is in contrast to the Punjab team’s claim that the club could be suspended and fined heavily for not being able to host the matches at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium. The local authorities cancelled the booking saying the stadium needed renovation for the proposed women’s U-17 World Cup. “AIFF general secretary Kushal Das has already spoken to AFC, which has no problem if an alternate venue is found, which meets the FIFA criteria. The federation has already informed the Minerva management about it,” said an official. “The whole idea about suspension and fine is absurd. In India, there are several venues which meet the FIFA criteria and perhaps do not even require inspection. It is up to the club authorities to book an alternate venue and inform AFC,” the official added.  The AIFF feels that since Minerva’s first home match is on May 1 against Nepal’s Manang Marshyangdi, the club should be in a position to find another suitable venue. IANS