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Mumbai Football Ground Faces Convention Centre Fate
19 Aug
Summary
- BMC's proposal to change football ground reservation approved.
- High Court advanced hearing on petition to save the ground.
- Football ground hosts over 900 matches and 10,000 players.
The Bombay High Court has agreed to an expedited hearing on Thursday regarding the Neville D'Souza Football Ground in Bandra Reclamation. This comes after the BMC's general body approved a proposal to change the ground's reservation from a playground to a convention and exhibition center. The court's intervention is significant, as BMC had previously given an oral assurance on August 10, 2026, that no steps would be taken on the proposal.
Petitioners, including the Mumbai Football Association (MFA), argued that the BMC's decision disregarded an understanding for a stay on proceedings until August 24, 2026. The MFA's petition challenges the Improvement Committee's May 2026 proposal, citing a lack of stakeholder consultation and feasibility studies. They highlighted that the ground is equipped with FIFA-standard turf and seating for 5,000 spectators, hosting over 900 official matches annually and used by more than 10,000 players and numerous clubs.
The MFA seeks to have the BMC's approval quashed and wants interim protection to prevent any changes to the ground's physical nature, including the turf or any construction, while the case is being heard. They also pointed out the availability of other convention venues in Mumbai, questioning the necessity of converting the football ground.
