FIFA U17 World Cup: Kochi strike could scupper fans' plans of attending Spain, Germany games

The Kochi Stadium will host the likes of Brazil, Germany and Spain
The Kochi Stadium will host the likes of Brazil, Germany and Spain

What's the story?

The opposition political party in Kerala, the United Democratic Front (UDF) has decided to conduct a strike against the repugnant hike in the price of the petroleum in the country on October 13th. Since FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 matches are to be held on that date, the strike will certainly affect the mass audience and the reputation of the renowned tournament.

In case you didn't know...

The southernmost state of India, Kerala, is known for notorious strikes against the distasteful decisions taken by the people at the helm. UDF is an alliance of political parties in Kerala, created by the prominent political leader K Karunakaran.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi is among one of the selected venues for the tournament. The group matches of teams like Brazil, Spain, Germany are scheduled in the city.

The heart of the matter

UDF has already decided to conduct the strike on 13th October throughout Kerala. The date opted by them come under the scheduled dates for the group stages of FIFA U-17 World Cup. On that day, Kochi is slated to host two group matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium back to back. At 5 pm, Germany is set to play against Guinea, while Spain is scheduled to play Korea DPR at 8 pm.

The strike by UDF will absolutely spoil the FIFA U-17 World Cup as it will affect mass audience and conductors of the tournament, as the vehicles won't be allowed to travel through the public roads unless it's an emergency.

What's next?

The ardent football fans from Kerala have already raised their voice against the strike on the game day. The fans, in unison and as individuals, have already requested the UDF to do away with the strike, to help their fellow fans and foreigners come view and enjoy the game peacefully.

If the strike does take place on the scheduled date, the reputation of the tournament will be deflated. Since the games to be played on the date are of Spain and Germany, the strike will alter the number of audience in those should-be enthralling games.

Author's Take

Even though the strike is against atrocities faced by the society, the date on which it is planned does stand against the passion of Indian football fans and the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Although the aim is good and pure, the political alliance, UDF, should postpone the strike to a date with no scheduled games, considering the situation. If not, it will only harm the prestige and pride of the Indian community and of course, the community of ardent football fans.

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Edited by Abhijit Bharali