New Delhi: Rajasthan United are the only side left looking for a new home venue to carry out the All India Football Federation‘s directive of organising the remaining Indian Football League (erstwhile I-League) matches from April 19 under floodlights.
In a letter to all clubs, AIFF sought “cooperation” on a matter that directly affects the league’s “broadcast commitments and commercial standing”.
“With effect from 19th April, 2026, all IFL matches shall kick off at 6:30 PM IST. This directive applies to all clubs across all venues. Since all forthcoming fixtures will be held post-sunset, fully operational floodlights at the match venue will be an absolute and non-negotiable requirement for every fixture going forward,” AIFF wrote.
“This shift to a standardised evening kick-off is also critical to protecting the league’s relationship with its broadcast partners, Prasar Bharti and Sony Pictures with its broadcast partners, Prasar Bharti and Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt. Ltd., whose programming commitments are built around prime-time visibility.”
AIFF reminded that sustenance and growth of “these partnerships” depends on every club playing its part “consistently” while acknowledging that not every existing venue might currently be equipped to host evening fixtures with adequate floodlighting.
In case any venue is unable to meet this requirement, AIFF asked clubs to identify a suitable alternative venue by April 16, pointing out that the deadline is “firm” and will not be extended “under any circumstances” and failure to comply will result in a penalty of Rs 9 lakh per instance.
Rajasthan United’s home venue of Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur currently doesn’t have floodlight arrangements. Photo: @RajasthanUnited
Rajasthan United in a spot
Among the 10 participating clubs, only Rajasthan United play their home matches in a venue that doesn’t have floodlights arrangements.
Currently second in the standings with 14 points from seven matches behind Diamond Harbour (16), Rajasthan use Jaipur’s Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium to stage their home games.
Built by Rajasthan State Sports Council and Jaipur Development Authority at a cost of around Rs 13 crore, the venue doesn’t have floodlights installed that has forced RUFC to search for a new home venue.
“We are looking at using one of Namdhari FC or Dempo SC’s ground to host our matches,” a club official told News9 Sports, ruing “infrastructural challenge” midway into the season, urging the state government to take “immediate action” to address the matter.
“…the team is compelled to play its “home” matches outside the state, leading to logistical challenges, player fatigue due to travel, and the loss of crucial home support,” they said in a statement.
“We have done everything within our capacity, yet it is disappointing that every other team plays at home while we cannot. This is a serious setback not just for the club, but for football in Rajasthan. Floodlights are not a luxury- they are a necessity,” RUFC chairman KK Tak said in the statement.
All the other clubs welcomed the idea, calling it a necessary step to attract prime time viewership, favourable timing for fans, enhanced match production quality and safeguarding players from extreme summer heat.
“Quality of matches will also be better,” one club coach opined.