Argentina, Venezuela to practice at match venue

Kolkata: With security being the main concern at Mohun Bagan ground, it is most likely that Lionel Messi-led Argentina and their opponents Venezuela will train at the main venue of the FIFA friendly, the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here.

In another development, the organisers have struck a deal with Rose Valley Group as the title sponsors of the event. It is almost 70 per cent finalised that the match venue will be used for the practice as well, Dharamdutt Pandey, CEO of Celebrity Management Group, who has the exclusive rights of the match said. "As per the FIFA regulations, you cannot practice on the same pitch. But we have an artificial turf here at Salt Lake ground. If it was a grass pitch, we could not have used this for practice as it would affect the soil and grass." "It`s very likely that it will be used for the training purpose. After the officials arrive, it will be finalised," Pandey said. Objecting to the proposed practice venue, Mohun Bagan ground, the Kolkata Police commissioner R K Pachnanda had said on Thursday, "It will be a bit difficult. We have told the organisers to think of an alternative venue." Earlier, a recce team led by Julian Camino too were seemingly unhappy with the facilities at Mohun Bagan ground. "We will give our report. The practice venue, it seems, may be the one where they will play the match," the Argentine assistant coach had said. Asked about the title sponsors deal, Pandey said, "A lot of coroporate houses wanted to sponsor. But we had to wait for the best deal which came from the Rose Valley Group. The event now will be called as Rose Valley Football Fest 2011." PTI