Mega Mohun Bagan-East Bengal I-League second derby venue still uncertain

Renovation will take place in the stadium scheduled to host the U-17 World Cup.

Kolkata: The iconic football derby between city heavyweights Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, which is scheduled to take place on April 2, does not have a venue yet, I-League CEO Sunando Dhar said on Wednesday.

The Salt Lake stadium where the derby usually takes place will be handed over for renovation before the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 and hence no matches will be held there after January. 

“The first one (January 23) will be held at the Salt Lake stadium. But for the second we do not know yet. East Bengal have said they will let us know in some days where they want it to be shifted. They have zeroed in upon stadiums in north east like Siliguri and Guwahati where a large crowd can come in,” Dhar told reporters here.

There were also a lot of confusion as to who will host the matches on January 23 and April 2. On Tuesday West Bengal sports minister Arup Biswas announced that the two clubs would organise the derbies together. However, Dhar said according to the league organisers it would not be so.

“As per our books the responsibilities for the first match will be with Mohun Bagan. East Bengal will organise the second,” he said.