₹25 Lakh Barrier Exposes India’s Football Infrastructure Crisis

Demand-pull inflation is a simple concept whereby demand increases steadily to surpass the supply, which raises prices for everyone. Everyone wants a Porsche, but its limited supply makes it expensive.

This basic economic principle was seen into play as the Greater Cochin Development Authority demanded a sweeping security deposit of 25 lakhs to host the India vs. Hong Kong match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Security deposits are taken before matches to cover potential damages and operational cost buffers. Sometimes security is also asked to clear past dues. But in the case of football infrastructure in India, the security deposit is mainly asked to cover the year-round costs of maintaining the facility, from the occasional matches that happen rarely to the regular maintenance.

The lack of adequate infrastructure for football in India gives the few that exist monopolistic powers over the market, which stagnates the football growth in the country with expensive entry-level barriers.

The problem is quite circular in nature, like the chicken and egg riddle we always wondered about when we were kids. If there are not adequate football stadiums, there shall be high prices in the few that exist. This further restricts the growth, which again starts the negative feedback loop.

The recent announcement of a FIFA-standard stadium in Arunachal under the Khelo India scheme of the Union is a significant step towards the resolution of this major problem. Other ventures on a private note shall include the football ground being constructed in Dwarka by the OMAXE.

Further ahead of the Commonwealth Games, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel enclave also contains a state-of-the-art football facility planned to be constructed around the Narendra Modi Stadium.