Jaipur: The Rajasthan United Football Club (RUFC) once again appealed to the Government of Rajasthan and concerned authorities regarding the urgent need for installation of floodlights here at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium.The in-form Rajasthan United FC defeated Gokulam Kerala 1-0 in the Indian Football League (IFL) match on Tuesday at the same venue to jump to the second spot in the IFL points tally with 14 points to their credit.The Jaipur-based RUFC are poised to enter the Super Six of the competition. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has already informed all the ten participating IFL teams that the second phase (Super Six) of the tournament will be played strictly under the floodlights because of its live TV coverage timing.The club has previously raised this matter on multiple occasions; however, there has been no significant progress so far. With the competition entering a crucial phase, the absence of floodlight infrastructure continues to pose a major challenge.Rajasthan United FC has proudly represented the state in one of India’s top football competitions, the Indian Football League (formerly I-League), carrying the identity and aspirations of Rajasthan at the national level. The recently concluded home leg of the 2026 season at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium was a major success, with strong support from fans, dignitaries, and stakeholders, highlighting the growing football culture in the state.However, as the competition progresses into its next phase, Rajasthan United FC faces a significant infrastructural challenge. Despite having a designated home ground, the absence of floodlight facilities at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium restricts the club from hosting official evening fixtures. As a result, the team is compelled to play its “home” matches outside the state, leading to logistical challenges, player fatigue due to travel, and the loss of crucial home support.Playing away from home not only affects on-field performance due to environmental and travel-related factors but also deprives the team of the advantage of local support, something that has proven vital throughout the season. Hosting matches within Rajasthan ensures better performance conditions and allows fans across the state to actively participate in and support their team.Across the league, clubs benefit from fully equipped home venues. For instance, Gokulam Kerala FC hosts matches at EMS Stadium, Kozhikode; Sreenidi Deccan FC plays at Deccan Arena, Hyderabad; Real Kashmir FC at TRC Turf Ground, Srinagar; Churchill Brothers FC and Dempo SC at Fatorda Stadium, Margao; Aizawl FC and Chanmari FC at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl; Shillong Lajong FC at SSA Stadium, Shillong; Namdhari FC at Namdhari Stadium, Bhaini Sahib; and Diamond Harbour FC at Naihati Bankimanjali Stadium, West Bengal. These venues are equipped to host competitive fixtures, including necessary floodlighting infrastructure.Rajasthan United FC currently stands as the only club among its peers without functional floodlight facilities at its home ground.Furthermore, the club highlights that April 15, 2026 is the final deadline to submit the venue for the next stage of the competition. In the absence of floodlight facilities, Rajasthan United FC will once again be compelled to register a stadium outside the state, making this an urgent and time-sensitive matter.In light of this, Rajasthan United FC humbly urges the Government of Rajasthan and all concerned authorities to kindly address this matter with urgency and facilitate the installation of floodlights at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium at the earliest.This development will not only benefit Rajasthan United FC but will also serve as a long-term investment in the sporting ecosystem of Rajasthan-empowering local talent, boosting fan engagement, and positioning the state as a strong hub for football in India.KK Tak, chairman of Rajasthan United FC, speaks after a successful home campaign at Vidhyadhar Nagar — ending on a high, but voicing disappointment over the lack of floodlights.“We have done everything within our capacity, yet it is disappointing that every other team plays at home while we cannot. This is a serious setback not just for the club, but for football in Rajasthan. Playing away deprives us of our supporters and affects performance,” said KK Tak.He sincerely appealed to the authorities to do the needful as soon as possible to boost football in the region.“We urgently request the Government of Rajasthan and concerned authorities to take immediate action. Floodlights are not a luxury — they are a necessity. Install them at the earliest as Rajasthan football deserves better,” added KK Tak.The club remains committed to bringing pride to Rajasthan and looks forward to continued support in overcoming this critical challenge.
