Nine football turfs were slated to be leased to contractors, who would charge ₹120 per person per hour, totaling ₹1,440 per hour for two players.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has abandoned its plan to privatize football turfs following widespread outrage from sports enthusiasts, the public, and even allies of the ruling DMK.
On September 5, the Corporation Council had proposed handing over nine football turfs to contractors for maintenance, who would charge a steep fee of ₹120 per person per hour. However, facing fierce opposition, Chennai Mayor R. Priya announced that the Corporation would continue to maintain the turfs and provide free access to the public.
Mayor Priya stated that this decision was made to “encourage and improve the sports skills of students and youth,” despite opposition from DMK allies including CPM, CPI, VCK, and AIADMK during the council meeting.
The turfs in question are located in Mullai Nagar, Vyasarpadi; Naval Hospital Road, Periamet; Thiru Vi Ka Nagar; Rangasayee in Perambur; KP Park in Pulianthope; Dr. Ambedkar playground on Mayor Sathyamurthy Salai, Chetpet; Amma Maligai on Kodambakkam Main Road; Kamakotti Nagar 6th Street; and Sholinganallur Futsal (OMR).
The initial plan aimed to generate ₹2.3 crore in annual revenue, with the Corporation expected to receive ₹93 lakh, which was set to increase by 5 percent each year. Councillor P. Vimala of CPM pointed out that the ₹120 per hour fee would be unaffordable for many young people, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.
In protest of the privatization plan, several football players demonstrated at Ripon Building and outside Amma Maligai on Kodambakkam Main Road, voicing their opposition to the move.