The ISL released a press statement yesterday confirming an agreement between the FSDL (Football Sports Development Limited) and Sports Authority of Goa to host the whole of ISL Season 7 at Goa. The entirety of the tournament will be played behind closed doors at three venues – Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda; GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim; and Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco.
The 10 teams will be divided into three groups with four teams allotted to one group (likely Group A) and three each to the other two (Group B and C). Each of these groups will be allotted particular home stadiums, one stadium for each group. This has been put in place to ensure there is minimum travelling involved. However, each team is set to be allotted a different training venue each with 10 to be selected in the days to come from the shortlisted 16.
According to Marcus Mergulhao from the Times of India, the season 7 of the ISL has been pencilled to start in the third week of November with the ISL having set up the following tentative timelines for the season.
Pre season start: October 1-10
Coaches Forum: November 2
Club Workshops: November 5-15
ISL Opener: November 20-23