Gokulam Kerala: Gokulam Kerala have been a well-known representative for Kerala football in recent years. As a football club, it has always demonstrated more ambition to better the football in the state. With the AFC Championship coming, the former I-League champions and current three-time Indian Women’s League winners have been made homeless. The Kozhikode Corporation has opted not to extend its agreement to lease the EMS Corporation Stadium to Gokulam Kerala FC. Gokulam Kerala President VC Praveen talks exclusively to Insidesport.IN about the saga and how they were victimised. Follow Indian Super League and Indian Super Cup LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
‘It seems like an ego clash. We have the rights to the Stadium till September and we will fight till the end. We’ve spent a lot of money on the facilities at the ground and will try our best to retain it.”
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The Kozhikode Corporation, which owns the EMS Stadium, entered into an agreement with GKFC to use it as their home stadium. Since its start in 2017, Gokulam has called the stadium their home field.
The club, which had not done so since Viva Kerala FC disbanded in 2012, played a significant part in rehabilitating the stadium to make it suitable to hold top-level football games. In its council meeting last week, the Corporation opted to terminate the agreement. The Corporation has cited a breach in the maintenance clause for not extending the agreement.
“We will try our best to retain EMS. Gokulam has put in a lot of work in the stadium and it’d not sit well with us if a different club comes in and makes the most of it.” Praveen told EXCLUSIVELY.
The floodlights have always been an issue. After every monsoon, the lights go off and We’ve requested help from the authorities to fix it . The talk of us not maintaining the Stadium is a farce. Before we took the stadium, there were broken false ceilings. “ he added.
“There was literally a waterfall in the middle of the dressing room. The authorities that gave us the Stadium are still here. Let them Pass a verdict on the condition of the stadium. Those who have seen the stadium then would know We’ve done a lot of work. “
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However, conflict between the Malabarians and the Kozhikode Corporation appeared to be developing when the latter completed more renovations, including the construction of a brand-new pitch, in order to host the Hero Super Cup in April. During this period, reports that the corporation officials were dissatisfied with the quality of the stadium under GKFC’s upkeep arose.
In the end, a settlement was not made, and the corporation opted not to renew its contract with GKFC.In addition, a furious VC Praveen threatened to leave the state if his group is not treated with respect.
“We (Gokulam) spend nearly ₹8 crores/per year on the team. If Kerala doesn’t need the team, we’ll consider leaving the state”, VC Praveen was quoted saying.
Speaking on the options they have been vying, Praveen told Insidesport.IN:
“Should we move into a new venue, We will ask the Kerala sports ministry for a long term contract for the stadium maybe 3-5 years. We want a ground for training at all times and want to ensure a long term goal at a venue where we invest. ”
Following the Kozhikode Corporation’s decision, Manjeri Payyanad Stadium has emerged as a probable home for Gokulam Kerala FC in the Hero I-League next season.Simultaneously, the Kerala Football Association voiced a wish to keep the EMS Corporation Stadium. The KFI also stated that if it is relocated to the KFA, it will be able to plan games and keep the stadium clean throughout the year.
“Manjeri also remains an option. We were earlier promised the ground but the handover for the same was not approved by the sporting committee. Outside Kerala? It is possible but we have a connection with the fans here and would want to continue here. “
“AS FOR THE EMS, IT WILL BE SHUT DOWN IN A YEAR IF GOKULAM KERALA DON’T PLAY THERE” Praveen boldly CLAIMED.
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With six significant national level honours to their name—2 I-League championships, 1 Durand Cup title, and 3 Indian Women’s League titles—Gokulam Kerala FC is already the most successful club in Kerala football history. Many have continued to assert that politics is to blame for how GKFC has been treated.
It is interesting to note that Kochi’s Kerala Blasters FC has also raised concerns with the Greater Cochin Development Authority over the utilisation of their home stadium, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Even the possibility of KBFC moving their base has been discussed.
The AFC club licencing regulations permit a groundshare between two teams, therefore such a move would not prevent GKFC from playing in the same venue. Speaking on relations with KBFC and sharing of Stadium, Praveen said:
“We and KBFC have good relations. Blasters have always given us priority while loaning out players. The owners are also on good terms with us. But the JNS is a tough ask and would be financially difficult to justify. “ he concluded.
Gokulam Kerala FC is the most successful club in Kerala football history, having won six key national level honours—two I-League championships, one Durand Cup trophy, and three Indian Women’s League wins. Though it is unlikely, GKFC can yet handle this issue and prolong their contract with the Kozhikode Corporation. The Malabarians have plenty of time to find a solution that will benefit them, since the next I-League season is still months away.
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