CFL 2017: When and where will the Kolkata derby be played?
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."The city heavyweights East Bengal will begin their season against NBP Rainbow AC when they kick off in the 'OC Blue Calcutta Football League Premier Division-A'.Mohun Bagan will take on Southern Samity to start the campaign.The Indian Football Association today released fixtures for three rounds and said that the tournament will be over before the Durga Puja festival, which will commence with Mahalaya on September 19.
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.
The Fixtures:
East Bengal: Rainbow (12th August), Calcutta Customs (16th August), Peerless (19th August). All the games will be played at the East Bengal Ground at 3pm.
Mohun Bagan: Southern Samity (14th August), Railway FC (18th August), Pathachakra (21st August). All the games will be played at the Mohun Bagan Ground at 5pm.
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Mohammedan Sporting: Pathachakra (13th August), Tollygunge Agragami (17th August), Southern Samity (20th August). All the games will be played at the Barasat Stadium at 5pm.
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