CFL 2019 | East Bengal likely to replace Mohun Bagan in season opener
Mohun Bagan’s archrivals East Bengal could likely be replacing them to play the opening game of the Calcutta Football Game as Bagan’s ground failed to get the FIT Certificate from PWD in time. The opponent Peerless, however, would remain the same with the season scheduled to start from July 26.
Earlier, Mohun Bagan were scheduled to play Peerless SC to open the season. However, with CFL now revealing that the Mohun Bagan ground has failed to get the required Fit Certificate from the PWD (Public Works Department), a Government body, the fixture would be in doubt to take place.
The stadium has been a work in progress with the construction of dressing rooms and other structures still going on while the existing infratructure for dressing rooms are only temporary structure, which consequently saw them not getting the certificate.
As far as finding an alternative venue was concerned, the IFA (Indian Football Association), West Bengal's FA, have failed to find an alternate venue for the match. This is because the Salt Lake stadium, and the Howrah and Kalyani grounds as well as are all unavailable for the Durand Cup 2019 that has been scheduled to begin from August 2nd.
Apart from them, Mohammedan Sporting also requested to postpone their CFL match against Aryan Club of July 29 for their ground wouldn’t be able to host matches. Hence, the league could altogether get postponed to July 31, when East Bengal would be hosting George Telegraph for they have received the Fit Certificate for their venue.
