The Durand Cup 2024: AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey Appeals to CM Mamata Banerjee to Bring Back Matches to Kolkata

Following the cancellation of all Durand Cup matches scheduled to take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has reached out to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requesting for the games to be reinstated at the original venue. In a communication addressed to the Chief Minister, Chaubey emphasized the importance of ensuring that the matches can be held in Kolkata as planned. "As the President of the AIFF, I urge your office to take necessary steps to facilitate the conduct of the Durand Cup matches in Kolkata," Chaubey stated in his mail.

The news of the cancellation of fixtures at the VYBK Stadium came on the eve of the Kolkata Derby match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal FC, two of the fiercest rivals in the country, due to a state of unrest in the city.

“The Derby match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is regarded as one of the top five most famous derbies in the world. Established in 1888, the Durand Cup is the fourth oldest football tournament globally. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, established in 1889 and 1920, respectively, have rich histories and are synonymous with Kolkata's identity and its passionate football culture,” added the AIFF president.

The cancellation of the derby saw fans of both teams assemble in huge numbers and protest in unity. Mohun Bagan captain Shubhasish Bose also joined in the protest with the fans. A lathi charge was ordered on the fans which also saw the Police arrest people in numbers. Chaubey had later posted a photo with fans whom he had personally gotten out of jail on bail.

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The quarterfinals of the Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament in Asia, are now set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong and SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)