Bengaluru FC will play all their home games in the 2019-20 season at the Kanteerava Stadium, the club confirmed on Thursday.
Last month, speculation arose that BFC could be forced to shift homes as a result of an ongoing probe into the Kanteerava Stadium, a multi-purpose ground that is shared for practice and events by the Karnataka Athletics Association.
In July, some Karnataka-based athletes had objected to the usage of the stadium by the club, pointing out how natural grass had been replaced by artificial grass on the field and that practising athletes were hampered by advertising hoardings, television crew wires and cables a day before every match.
STATEMENT: We can confirm that Bengaluru FC will be playing its home games for the 2019-20 season out of the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. #WeAreBFC #RoomForMore pic.twitter.com/n8dOEGEyzS
- Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) October 10, 2019
BFC had lined up Pune as a backup ground, but will now remain at the stadium that has been their home since the 2014-15 I-League season.
"We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Government. of Karnataka, the Sports Ministry, the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, the Karnataka Athletic Association and all other stakeholders and associations for their support in making this happen," the club tweeted.
"Our endeavour, as always, will be to keep the flag of the state flying high in the field of sport and beyond."
Since joining the ISL in 2017, BFC have lost just three matches at home, including the final in 2018. Last season, they were undefeated at the Kanteerava Stadium as BFC went on to clinch their their maiden ISL trophy.
BFC will begin their ISL campaign for the upcoming season with a home game against NorthEast United FC on October 21. The club will also be involved in AFC Cup matches, beginning with the preliminary stages in January or February 2020.