BFC ordered to remove barricades at Kanteerava

The High Court of Karnataka has directed the Bengaluru Football Club (BFC) to remove the barricades from the synthetic track of the Sree Kanteerava stadium.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice H G Ramesh and Justice P S Dinesh Kumar were hearing a petition filed by Arjuna awardee Ashwini Nachappa and 49 others including athletes and coaches who have questioned the use of the Sree Kanteerava outdoor stadium for conduct of football matches by a private club.

According to the petitioners, the arena that has been built exclusively for athletics is being used for football despite there being a dedicated stadium for football in the city.

The petitioners have sought for directions from the court to remove the barricades which is preventing the athletes from using the track. The petition also states that the athletes have been deprived of their legitimate right to use the stadium owing to the agreement between the  Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports and the BFC.

The bench also directed the club to allow the athletes to continue their training on the track. The BFC counsel said the athletes can use the track and field on all days barring the  days when football matches are scheduled.

The bench directed the BFC to remove all the obstructions from the track by Thursday, failing which the court will pass an order in the next hearing.

The matter was adjourned to Monday.