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Maldives disappointed of not getting the actual venue for practicing
06 December 2005
Uploaded: 06.12.2005, 2:00 AM
Male' Maldives - Maldives national team assistant coach, Ihsaan (Saanthi) expressed dissapointment after they failed twice in getting the actual tournament venue for team practicing.
In an interview given to Maldivesoccer.com last night, Saanthi stated that it was arranged with Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) to let Maldives team practice in the people's stadium, but in the final minute the PFF informed the cancellation.
" The same happened today, they said we could practice but later on they changed and now they said the stadium wont be available for practicing even for tomorrow (today)" Saanthi said.
According to Saanthi, the matter is being discussed with the manager and they are hoping for an early solution to this "riddle".
According to FIFA regulations, the participating teams should be given the chance to practice atleast once in the actual venue prior to their match.
Eventhough the team is frustrated of not being able to practice in the People's stadium, they are satisfied with the accomadation arranged by the PFF.
Regarding the weather, Saanthi said " It's neither hot nor cold. This is an average temperature"
Maldives will face Afghanistan in the opening match on 7th December at 1500hrs.
As Pakistani fans are more devoted to cricket the fans are concentrating more on England's tour of Pakistan which hit the nation recently where test matches between Pakistan and England is now over and ODI's are ready to start. This might lead to a major financial blow to the sponsors of this year's SAFF championship.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
GROUP A : Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan
GROUP B : Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Nepal
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