The Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports (DYES), Govt. Of Karnataka has issued a letter of consent to reigning ISL champion Bengaluru FC (BFC) to hold its matches at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

The decision comes on the back of an order passed last week by the High Court while hearing a petition filed by JSW (owners of BFC). It is understood that JSW has requested access to the stadium for close to 30 days of the forthcoming season and will have to pay an amount of ₹ 78 lakhs plus other fees.

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However, it remains to be seen if BFC plays its opening ISL game on October 21 at Sree Kanteerava with the window to prepare the turf shrinking by the day.

Balewadi stadium in Pune is listed as the back-up venue. Club officials, though, refused to comment on the latest developments.

It is to be noted that the petition on which the decision was made was different from the one filed by athletes and coaches seeking to restrain footballing activities on the grounds that the stadium was exclusively built for track and filed disciplines.

The court had since heard the athletes and coaches and ordered an enquiry to assess the legality of the previous agreement between DYES and JSW. A report of the same is scheduled to be tabled by the State on October 14.