With less than 24 hours remaining for the Kolkata derby between Mohan Bagan and East Bengal, the standoff between the organisers (IFA) and Mohan Bagan shows no sign of ending, with Mohun Bagan refusing to play their match-up in the ongoing Calcutta Football League at the Kalyani Stadium on the outskirts of Kolkata, citing a shortfall in the tickets made available to their 6234 club members. Kalyani, being a makeshift venue, the Salt Lake stadium that can hold 68,000 is currently being renovated for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup next year can only provide guaranteed seating for 7,500 spectators according to the Indian Football Association (IFA), the governing body for football in the state of Bengal.
Mohan Bagan had requested around 6.5 thousands tickets for their members but were promised only 4000 tickets owing to lack of seats at the Kalyani stadium,the number was further reduced to 2000 as the temporary gallery constructed were deemed unsafe by local authorities.
Mohan Bagan are also requesting 48 hours at kalyani to Prepare for the match and have requested IFA to postpone the match, However their rival East Bengal have refused to play on a later date.
