Kolkata: The Indian Football Association officially unveils the fixture of the first three rounds of the Calcutta Football League Premier A Division today. The IFA Secretary Utpal Ganguli told the media, “Our fixture is ready for the entire CFL. But we are not announcing it because the rain might interrupt and abandon a few game. So, we might need to reschedule it.”
Though it was heard that the Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, might be played at Siliguri on 10th September tentatively, The IFA Secretary Utpal Ganguli said, “It’s not yet decided as it might be played either at Siliguri or at Kalyani.”
The much-awaited season’s first derby between defending champions East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is likely to be held in Siliguri but the IFA is also mulling Kalyani Stadium as an alternate venue.
“Work is still underway to increase the capacity of the Kalyani stadium to about 23,000. We will decide about the derby after seeing the completion certificate. Either Kalyani or Siliguri will host the match,” IFA secretary Utpal Ganguli said.
On the incomplete fixture, Ganguli said: “It’s a long league and depending on the weather conditions we will take the call. However the league will be over by Durga Puja.”
Eleven teams will vie for top honours in the coveted Kolkata league with Rs. 25 lakh for winners and Rs. 20 lakh for the runners-up. The Man of the Match will get Rs. 5 thousand per game and the league is about to start the Man of the Tournament for the first time.
Meanwhile, Mohammedan Sporting has handed a show-cause notice to their newly recruited goalkeeper Sankar Roy for playing amateur football. Sankar played an instrumental role this season to help Bengal winning the Santosh Trophy.
The Abinas Ruidas issue too has an update as it has been confirmed that The IFA might sit with The AIFF if needed too discuss the issue in future.
`