Kolkata: The 121st IFA Shield will be an 8 team affair after Aizawl FC and Salgaocar FC both backed out at the last moment. The tournament kicks off on May 26 with East Bengal hosting AIFF academy in their own club ground.
Mohun Bagan is scheduled to play their first match against Minerva Punjab FC on the following day i.e., May 27 at Mohun Bagan ground.
“We are a bit disappointed with the two teams backing out at the last moment” said AIFF secretary Utpal Ganguly.
The teams are divided into two groups.
Group – A consists of East Bengal, AIFF Academy Md. Sporting and the Winner of the Qualifier.
Group – B consists of Mohun Bagan, Minerva Punjab FC, Tata Football Academy and FC Pune City.
East Bengal will face Mohammedan Sporting on June 04 at East Bengal ground.
The matches are scheduled to be played at the East Bengal ground, Mohun Bagan ground, Howrah Stadium and at the Mohammedan Sporting ground,
Both the semi finals will be played on June 07 & 08 respectively while the final will be played on June 11.
The venue of the semi-finals and final is yet to be decided.