Cheniyin-ATK semis first leg shifted to Pune

Pune, Dec 8: The first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-fil between Cheniyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) will be held here at the Shiv Chhatrapati Shivaji Stadium on December 12 due to the recent floods in the southern city, it was confirmed on Tuesday.

“IMG-Reliance and Star India along with the Cheniyin FC magement conclude to the decision of moving the Club’s home ground to Pune, after evaluating all possibilities for Cheni to host the semi-fil match,” said an ISL release.

“The decision was particularly difficult as Cheniyin FC’s fans have displayed immense passion and fortitude to support their Club through thick and thin this season. But it was one which had to be taken, keeping in mind the current situation in Cheni,” the release added.

Most parts of Cheni are still under water after the heaviest rains in some 100 years, which have left around 269 people dead.

The second leg of the semi-fil will be played in Kolkata on December 16. IANS