The first Kolkata derby of the season, between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has been postponed from July 19 to July 26 due to operational challenges at the Kalyani stadium.
Both clubs had prepared for the match, but on the night of July 17, the Calcutta Football League (CFL) authorities informed them that the game would not proceed as scheduled.
“We have provided the revised fixture for the CFL Premier Division Group A below. This is for your information and necessary action,” wrote Anirban Dutta, secretary of the Indian Football Association (IFA), in an official communication, mentioning the new date and kick-off time of the match.
While no official reason was given, it is understood that preparing the ground—both the pitch and stands—in time for clearance from local police proved difficult.
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Additionally, Mohun Bagan, which played a match on July 16, was reportedly in favour of extra preparation time for the derby. However, the club has denied this claim.
“Mohun Bagan is not concerned about the scheduling. The team will be ready whenever the match is played. Our only worry is the pitch condition, which our coach criticised after the last game. If that is resolved, we have no issues,” a club source told Sportstar.
Representatives from both clubs and the IFA secretary met on July 17 to discuss the issues. The possibility of relocating the match to Barasat was also considered.
Ultimately, it was mutually decided that the Round 7 fixture would be played a week later, on July 26, at the same Kalyani stadium, with kickoff at 5:30 PM.
East Bengal enters the derby following a 0-1 defeat to Pathachakra FC, while Mohun Bagan comes in with confidence after a 2-1 victory over Kalighat.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com