Facility Notes: Government-Owned Salt Lake Stadium Handed Over To FIFA

India's Salt Lake Stadium, which is owned by the Government of West Bengal, "was officially handed over" to FIFA for the U17 World Cup, which starts on Oct. 6. Salt Lake Stadium, which will host 10 matches, is among six Indian venues that will host games. West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas said, "I can say 98 percent of the work on the stadium has been completed and the remaining 2 percent will be done well before the tournament starts." The seating capacity of the stadium, which "once recorded a turnout" of 120,000 spectators, has been reduced to around 80,000 after the installation of bucket seats (THE HINDU, 9/11).

South African Premier Soccer League side Cape Town City Chair John Comitis revealed that the club and Cape Town Stadium management have come to an "understanding." Comitis "slammed stadium management" after a match last month. A "host of supporters were not allowed to purchase tickets at the stadium" on matchday and were "turned away" (SPORT24, 9/12).