BFC keen to stay at Kanteerava

Bengaluru FC are keen to keep Sree Kanteerava Stadium as their home ground despite strong opposition from the Karnataka Athletics Association (KAA), Mustafa Ghouse, CEO of JSW Sports said here on Tuesday.

"As far as we are concerned, it is important for Bengaluru to have this team here and keep competing," said Ghouse. "This is a team that has been competing amongst the best teams in India and probably rated as the best team in India, consistently over the last four, five seasons," he added.

Ghouse revealed that talks are on with the concerned parties (KAA, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports) to find an 'amicable solution'. The coaches and athletes training at the Sree Kanteerava have constantly complained about footballing activities disrupting their training, also pointing out that they have been barred from using the turf.

Ghouse, while stressing that efforts were on to find a solution, denied reports suggesting BFC's game against NorthEast United FC was their last at the venue.

"I don't think that's true. We have many conversations on. I am pretty sure and confident that we can find an amicable solution. Two days back (we had a meeting). All parties were involved. We have to find a solution that suits all parties. We're committed to the sport. I am confident that we'll find a way to make it work. Everyone is looking for a solution. It is a work in progress. If it is our last game, it was one hell of a game! But I am sure we can find a way to make this work again," said Ghouse.

The JSW Sports CEO outlined improvements they have made to the stadium. "We have done a lot to the stadium. Probably put in a new life into that stadium. I don't know if Kanteerava has ever experienced 20000 people in there on a regular basis. The atmosphere and the type of response we are starting to get at Kanteerva is exceptional, we have to respect that as well," he said.