 "ISL stadium blast in Kochi raises big concern over safety of fans and players, GCDA faces backlash")
A deadly explosion at a cafe in the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium complex in Kochi on Thursday has raised major concerns over the safety and security of both fans and players. The explosion, which occurred at i’Deli Cafe, located on the outer wall of the stadium, reportedly led to the tragic death of one person and left at least four others injured. The incident took place in the early afternoon while a few customers were inside the cafe.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, home to the Indian Super League (ISL) team Kerala Blasters, regularly hosts matches in front of up to 35,000 fans. The blast has not only shaken the local community but also brought to the forefront long-standing concerns about the safety standards of the stadium complex.
A long history of safety concerns
This explosion is far from an isolated incident. Back in 2017, during a FIFA U-17 World Cup inspection, Jaime Yarza, the then FIFA’s Head of Tournaments, had raised grave concerns about the security risks posed by the various commercial establishments surrounding the stadium. Yarza specifically pointed out the danger posed by stores with fuel tanks, which were situated close to the venue. He had warned that these stores should not be allowed to operate during the tournament due to the serious safety threats they posed.
“The situation of the stores is of grave concern; from a security standpoint, they cannot be opened during the tournament. There are stores with fuel tanks, which is a grave safety and security concern,” Yarza had stated during his inspection.
In response to FIFA’s concerns, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), which owns the stadium, had to clear the shops and their contents to meet FIFA’s requirements for the World Cup. However, despite these previous warnings and the temporary closure of the establishments, these shops were reopened after the tournament was over.
The tragic explosion on Thursday has reignited safety concerns. Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion may have been caused by pressure variation in a boiler used for making idlis, though the exact cause is still under investigation. The GCDA, which is responsible for renting out the entire stadium complex, is facing severe backlash.
With a large number of fans expected to attend Kerala Blasters’ home matches during the ongoing Indian Super League season, there is an urgent need to ensure that proper safety protocols are in place not just for the players but also for the fans who flock to the stadium for matches and other events.
This recent incident comes just months after Kerala’s sports minister, V Abdurahiman, announced that the Argentina men’s football team, led by Lionel Messi, will visit the state for a friendly match later this year.
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