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Kolkata: According to the scheduled fixture of the IFA, the two Kolkata mini-derbies would be played by Mohammedan Sporting Club. As per the fixture the Black Panthers are scheduled to play Mohun Bagan on September 10 and East Bengal on September 16 both at Kalyani stadium at 2:45 P.M.
Mohammedan had previously objected upon playing two mini derbies within a span of 6 days. They had no objections on playing against the Mariners however they seriously objected on playing against the Red and Gold brigade.
On the above matter, a meeting was held with IFA Secretary Utpal Ganguly with the Mohammedan Sporting Secretary Gazal uz Zafar and Dipendu Biswas. Ganguly has requested them to play as per the fixtures as a lot of other football events would take place from hence onwards. The last game of the CFL will be the mega-derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal on September 24 and with it the CFL will end. From 25th the Pujas will start followed by U17 World Cup, Legends match then the ISL followed by the I-League. And as a result by hook or by crook the CFL should end before the Pujas.
Mohammedan then finally decided that the reasons laid by Ganguly had logic and it would be humiliating and un-wise to not abide by it.
“IFA is under some problems as Southern Samity didn’t play today. If we also decide not to play then IFA will be under certain pressure. So to finish the league on time and paying respect to the parent body we will play the derbies on the scheduled date” said Dipendu Biswas.
“We requested Mohammedan Sporting to play on the scheduled date and we also promised that the schedule for next year would be made keeping the requests of Mohammedan on mind” said Utpal Ganguly.
The Mega derby is decided to take place on September 24 at Siliguri still the things would be finalized on a meeting which will be held on September 6 by IFA Secreatry Utpal Ganguly with the Siliguri Mohakurar Parishad.