Rain threat to Federation Cup

8220;Rain or no rain, we have to finish off the schedule in time,8221; says the Cannanore District Football Association CDFA, the organisers of the tournament 8212; a statement that could well be a pointer to the abysmal fare that await the fans. The organisers are also planning to scrap the extra-time, and employ the penalty shoot-out straightway if the 90-minute regulation time fails to break thedeadlock.

The only silver lining, it seems, will be the presence of a new-look FC Kochin team. The Coca-Cola sponsored club, let down by its expensive imports for a major part of the last season, is pinning high hopes on its young brigade which includes 11 Tata Football Academy products.

FC Kochin have retained the services of goalkeeper Ali Abubaker and attacking midfielder Abu Joma, the duo from abroad who donned the club colours last year.