The first Kolkata derby of the Calcutta Football League (CFL) season, featuring East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has been officially postponed from July 19 to July 26 due to operational challenges at the Kalyani Stadium.
Both clubs had geared up for the high-voltage clash, but on the night of July 17, CFL authorities informed them that the match could not proceed as planned. In an official communication, Indian Football Association (IFA) secretary Anirban Dutta confirmed the revised fixture, citing logistical hurdles in preparing the pitch and stands for police clearance.
While no formal reason was disclosed, sources suggest that Mohun Bagan’s recent match on July 16 may have prompted a request for additional preparation time. However, the club denied any involvement in the rescheduling, stating that their primary concern was the pitch condition, which had drawn criticism from their coach.
Discussions between club representatives and the IFA explored alternate venues, including Barasat, but ultimately concluded with a mutual decision to retain Kalyani as the host. The derby will now kick off at 5:30 PM on July 26.
East Bengal enters the fixture after a 0-1 loss to Pathachakra FC, while Mohun Bagan rides high on a 2-1 win over Kalighat, setting the stage for a fiercely contested encounter.
