'No question of Delhi not hosting U-17 World Cup games'

The Tournament Director of Local Organising Committee Javier Ceppi, on Thursday, rubbished reports that FIFA U-17 World Cup matches scheduled in Delhi would be relocated and the post Diwali pollution is a factor when it comes to hosting marquee matches.

With Diwali slated October 19 this year, the air quality is a big concern for FIFA local organising committee after smog led to cancellation of two national championship cricket matches last year.

"It's nothing to do with Delhi hosting matches. Let me be very clear and straightforward, Delhi will host matches. There's no question of Delhi not hosting matches," Ceppi said here dismissing news reports by a certain section.

"We have not said Delhi would not host marquee matches. We don't know yet. We are analysing how the pollution may impact Delhi matches post-Diwali and we will see what measures to be taken post-Diwali," Ceppi said during his inspection here on Thursday.

The 24-team tournament will have 52 matches at six venues — New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Margao, Kochi, Guwahati and Kolkata, which has emerged as the favourite to host the summit clash boasting India's largest 87,000 capacity stadium.

The Salt Lake Stadium is going through a sea-change as the venue which had an old out-dated look now looks sparkling with renovation in full swing, something that has impressed Ceppi.

He however remained tight-lipped on whether it would host the final.

"You people keep on asking me this. The last inspection in March final week will determine the match schedule. There will be plenty of promotional activities. There're seven qualifying teams and we will know the 24 teams by May 28. The draw will be on July 7."

On promotional front, Ceppi said, "Once we know the teams, we would be much more proficient about promotions and see whether there are any interesting teams coming to Kolkata to drive a particular promotion. We will work with the state government. Nobody wants to see an empty stadium, it reflects poorly not only on the city but also on the tournament. We will find a way to bring people to the stadium," Ceppi added.