The GCC’s announcement to maintain the current situation was met with relief and gratitude from football players and fans, who welcomed the decision.
The Greater Chennai Corporation’s attempt to privatize football turfs by charging players ₹120 per hour, aiming to generate ₹93 lakh annually, backfired on Wednesday as the civic body quickly reversed its decision. This change was attributed to public and player requests.
The GCC’s announcement to maintain the current arrangement was met with relief and gratitude from football players and fans. There was significant backlash from opposition councillors during the council meeting, leading to a strong outcry from players and stakeholders. A source stated that the GCC had no choice but to retract the privatization plan.
Under the initial proposal, the contractor would have generated ₹2.3 crore in revenue annually, with the Corporation’s share increasing by 5 percent each year. However, Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar confirmed to DT Next that, due to public demand, the football turfs will continue to be maintained by the Chennai Corporation, allowing players to use them for free.
Players who protested against the privatization at Amma Malikai park expressed their gratitude for the GCC’s change of heart. K. Manikandan, a former player, noted that the proposed fees would have made it difficult for players to afford practice sessions.
K. Jayasurya, a regular at the artificial turf in Thiru Vi Ka Nagar Park, highlighted that charging for play undermined the DMK government’s initiative to create football turfs in 2022, potentially driving young people away from sports and toward negative activities.
Social activist Joel Shelton praised the decision to cancel the privatization, emphasizing the importance of football in nurturing talent among low-income groups for national and domestic teams.