The Indian Super League (ISL) final between ATK and Chennaiyin will take place behind closed doors, Nita Ambani, the founder chairperson of Football Development Sports Limited announced on Thursday.
Ambani, also co-owner of the Mumbai Indians cricket team, said that the decision was for safety reasons due to the coronavirus situation. "In public interest and for the safety and health of the fans, we have decided to host the finals behind closed doors," she said.
"I thank the fans for coming and supporting their heroes, teams and the ISL throughout the season and wishing both ATK FC and Chennaiyin FC my best for the final."
The final will take place in Margao (Goa) on Saturday and the winner will be crown the ISL champions. The game kicks off at 4pm CET. The team from West Bengal, who finished 2nd in the regular season, beat Bengaluru 3-2 on aggregate in the two legged semi-final while Chennaiyin, the fourth placed side, defeated Goa 6-5 in a very high scoring semi.
The ISL is not the only sports tournament in India to be affected by COVID-19. Cricket's Indian Premier League has already seen its start delayed from 29th March to 15th April.
March 12, 2020