AIFF Prez requests West Bengal CM to reinstate Durand Cup games in Kolkata

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requesting her to reinstate the Durand Cup matches in Kolkata.

Due to security concerns amid the widespread protests after a trainee doctor's alleged rape and murder, the derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal was canceled on 18th August.

"As you are aware, the Durand Cup derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, scheduled for Sunday (18th August 2024), had to be called off due to intelligence inputs indicating potential violence at the venue," stated the letter.

"The Derby match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is regarded as one of the top five most famous derbies in the world. The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is the fourth oldest football tournament globally. Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, established in the years 1889 and 1920, respectively have rich histories and are synonymous with Kolkata’s identity and its passionate football culture," Kalyan Chaubey wrote in the letter.

Highlighting the importance of the derby, Chaubey requested to reinstate the Durand Cup matches.

"I have received numerous appeals from not just the supporters of participating teams but also football fans across the world requesting the reinstatement of the Durand Cup matches in Kolkata," Chaubey said in the letter.

The organisers are also yet to make any announcement on the venue for the semifinals (August 25 and 27) and final (August 31) which are slated to be held at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The decision to cancel the Bagan-East Bengal derby match was taken following a meeting between the Kolkata Police officials and organisers of the tournament.