Kolkata: After a lot of hiccups, Mohun Bagan has agreed to play the CFL derby. Today, Mohun Bagan officials Anjan Mitra, Debashis Dutta and Srinjoy Basu had a meeting with IFA secretary, Utpal Ganguly in a luxurious club in Kolkata where the decision was made.
Bagan officials had hand over two conditions to the IFA secretary about the 25% each share from the gate sale tickets to the three clubs who will be playing the derbies and from the TV rights too. IFA secretary Utpal Ganguly had made it clear to the Bagan officials that they will share the gate sale tickets but the share from the TV rights cannot be handed over as IFA itself does not get the share from the TV rights. It was finally decided the gate sale tickets will be divided between the two clubs of 25% each while IFA will get 50% of the share.
After the meeting, Utpal Ganguly said, “The proposal made by Mohun Bagan is very meaningful and I feel they may play the derby as decided today in the meeting.” When asked about the venue and date of the derby, Utpal Ganguly said, “The date and venue of the derby is yet to be finalised.”
After Utpal Ganguly left the club, Mohun Bagan officials had a meeting among themselves. Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra said, “IFA has agreed to our proposal. We will be calling an executive committee meeting on 27th August and may be the confirmation will come on that day.”
Now the question automatically arises, when IFA has agreed to your proposal, then for what are they waiting. Anjan Mitra replied, “We cannot take any such decision on our own as it has to be passed by the executive committee members and remember we are a democratic club.”
Debashis Dutta said, “It proves again that Mohun Bagan shows the way. Our fight will benefit East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting too and they should thank us.”