AIFF to decide on late arriving Tripura football team''s fate

Jamshedpur, Feb 13 (PTI) Tripura women''s football team,which arrived late, will have wait for All India FootballFederation''s decision for taking part in the 34th NationalGames that kicked off here today.

Tripura team featured in the list of participating teamsbut did not turn up till last night, forcing the organisers toprepare the fixtures afresh.

Accordingly, the seven teams participating in thecompetition have been placed in two groups, according to anofficial of the state football association.

While Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Haryana and Jharkhand wereplaced in Group A, the Group B comprised Manipur, West Bengaland Assam.

The secretary of Jharkhand Football Association, GulamRabbani said as the fixture has been finalized after Tripurafailed to reach in time, the matter has been forwarded to AIFFfor a final decision following a meeting of the officials heretoday.

"We have accommodated and taking care of the Tripura teambut the matter regarding their last moment entry into thecompetition will decided by AIFF," he said.

Asked whether Jharkhand Olympic Association would objecttheir entry in the last moment, Rabbani said JOA and JharkhandFootball Association were ready to entertain but "we can notjump the rules framed by the apex body".

Asked about the reason for delay in arriving by Tripurateam, Rabbani pleaded ignorance but sources said it was due tosome internal problem with the state association of Tripura.