Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium reportedly did not get clearance from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Hence, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is now looking for an alternative stadium to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match between India and Singapore.
The Blue Tigers are scheduled to play against Singapore on October 14, but according to recent reports, the planned venue for the clash, Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium, has failed to get clearance from the AFC.
A senior official told the Times of India (TOI) that many factors impacted this decision.
“The pitch is not in good condition, and a lot of other factors are also not favourable to host an international match,” the official said. “Bengaluru FC normally take charge of the stadium for their home games (in the ISL), but with the club pausing operations, the venue has been found wanting. Exclusive access to the stadium was also an issue. The AIFF has now been asked to suggest an alternative venue.”
For AIFF, the two options now are Goa and Shillong. The Asian Cup Final Round qualifier against Bangladesh was played in Shillong earlier this year. Group-stage matches of the recent Durand Cup also took place there.
After Khalid Jamil took charge as the coach of the Indian football team, his first assignment will be the away match against Singapore on October 9. Singapore is at the top of the group with four points, while India is at the bottom of the table with just one point from two games.
The match against Bangladesh was drawn, while they lost against Hong Kong. Only the group winners will qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
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