Kolkata : Football fever in Kolkata is about to commence with start of Calcutta Football League 2025 (CFL). The Bengal giants and arch rivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are placed in same Group A, as speculation for mouth watering Bengal derby at season’s start awaits. Both the teams faced each other in super 6 last season, but this time they’re in same group and will face each other in group clash.
Last year’s CFL is still marked by winner controversy between East Bengal and Diamond Harbour, however, this season, both are placed in different groups. It is to be mentioned that CFL 2024 winners are yet to be announced between both these teams.
The group formation of the CFL was held at an elite club in South Kolkata on Wednesday. A total of 26 teams were divided into 2 groups. 13 teams in each group. The Premier Division will start on June 25.
While Group A includes Bengal giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, Kalighat, Suruchi Sangha, etc, Group B has the other Bengal giant – Mohammedan SC, placed with strong sides like Diamond Harbour, Bhawanipur, United Kolkata Sports Club (UKSC).
It is to be noted that UKSC won the 2nd division in their debut year and obtained license to play in the Premier Division A.
Group A includes East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, M/s Club, Kalighat Sports Lovers Association, Suruchi Sangha, Railway FC, BSS Sporting Club, George Telegraph Club, Calcutta Customs, Kalighat MS, Mamni Group Pathachak, Army Red and Police AC. Group B includes Diamond Harbour, Mohammedan Sporting, Sribhumi FC, Kolkata Police Club, Wari Athletic Club, United Sports Club, Bhavanipur Club, ASAS Rainbow, Arian Club, Khidirpur FC, United Kolkata Sports Club Southern Samity and Peerless AC.
Mohun Bagan got a bye in their first match in the Kolkata League. So, practically their first match is against Police AC. East Bengal will play against M/s Club. Mohammedan’s opponent is Peerless. Diamond Harbour FC does not have a match in the first round.
A host of former stars were present at the group formation ceremony via lottery on Wednesday. The list included Bhaskar Ganguly, Atanu Bhattacharya, Amit Bhadra, Alok Mukherjee, Manoranjan Bhattacharya, Jamshed Nasiri, Shishir Ghosh, Prashant Banerjee, Manas Bhattacharya, Sanjay Sen, Dipendu Biswas, Alvito de Cunha, Rahim Nabi and Mehtab Hossain. A special reception was given to Subrata Pal.
IFA President Ajit Banerjee, Chairman Subrata Dutta, Secretary Anirban Dutta and other top officials were also present. Rahul Todi was the umpire.
However, no representatives from Mohun Bagan, Diamond Harbour, Suruchi, Southern Samiti and BSS were present at the ceremony. According to them, last season’s league championship is still not even announced.
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CFL 2025 Group Draw Results –
Group A : Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Measures Club, Kalighat SLA, Suruchi Sangha, Railway FC, BSS Sporting, George Telegraph, Calcutta Customs, Kalighat MS, Pathachakra, Army Red, Police AC.
Group B : Diamond Harbour, Mohammedan SC, Sreebhumi SC, Calcutta Police, Wari AC, United Sports, Bhawanipur SC, Asos Rainbow, Arian Club, Kidderpore SC, United Kolkata SC, Southern Samity, Peerless AC.
