I League: Roadblocks cleared as East Bengal to start campaign against Aizawl at YBK on Nov 28

Stadium likely to be handed over to FIFA new look at SALT LAKE STADIUM (6)
Kolkata giants East Bengal will play their opening I League encounter against Aizawl FC at Salt Lake Stadium on Nov 28.

Kolkata: Cloud covers over Kolkata giants East Bengal’s first I League match this season against Aizawl FC at Salt Lake Stadium has cleared. The Red and Golds will kick-start their I League campaign against the reigning champions as per the scheduled fixture i.e., on November 28. The State Sports Department has sent a letter to East Bengal Club confirming that the match can now be staged at the venue.

“We have received an official confirmation from the State Sports Department about hosting the match at the Salt Lake Stadium. But the problem we are facing now whether there will be enough time for the stampings of the tickets by the Sports Department. At least two days will take for the printing of the tickets. So, we will only get the tickets in hand on Saturday. The State Sports Department remains close on that day,” said Debabrata Sarkar of East Bengal club.

The East Bengal officials met the AIFF Senior Vice President Subrata Dutta on Wednesday to discuss the issue. It was later confirmed by Mr Sarkar that club had requested the Sports Minister Aroop Biswas to keep the State Sports Department open on Saturday for the stampings of the tickets.

Meanwhile in another development both thge Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will play three matches each in I League at the Barasat Stadium. With the I League and ISL matches staged concurrently, it is noted that there is less than 48 hours between the matches of both leagues.

In the revised fixture Mohun Bagan will play Churchill Brothers (December 10), Indian Arrows (December 29) and Chennai City FC (January 02) at Barasat Stadium. East Bengal will host Shillong Lajong (December 09), Churchill Brothers (December 16) and Indian Arrows (February 05) at the same venue.

Whether the telecast of the matches will be affected due to the change in venue, AIFF Senior Vice President Subrata Dutta confirmed to xtratime.in, “The matches have been rescheduled only after discussions with Star Sports.”