Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has received a request from AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey to move the games back to the original location.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey has urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to bring back the Durand Cup games to their original location after they were canceled. The matches were originally scheduled to take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata. “In my role as the AIFF President, I sincerely request that your office take all required actions and efforts to guarantee that the Durand Cup matches can take place in Kolkata on the planned date,” Kalyan Chaubey’s email stated.Due to turmoil in the city, the VYBK Stadium scheduled games was canceled on the eve of the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal FC, two of the toughest rivals in the nation.
One of the top five most well-known derbies in the world is the one between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. The Durand Cup is the fourth-oldest football competition in the world, having been founded in 1888. The president of the AIFF continued, “Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, founded in 1889 and 1920, respectively, have rich histories and are synonymous with Kolkata’s identity and its passionate football culture.
Fans of both sides came together in large numbers to demonstrate in unison over the derby’s cancellation. Shubhasish Bose, the captain of Mohun Bagan, took part in the demonstration with the supporters. The police also ordered a lathi charge against the crowd, leading to numerous arrests. Later, Chaubey shared a picture of himself with admirers that he had personally helped get out on bond.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong and SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar will host the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup, the oldest football competition in Asia.
