Calcutta Football League announces the dates for the 2021/22 season


Calcutta Football League announces the dates for the 2021/22 season

After the major international commitments, the players are returning to their franchise/club. Few clubs are all set to participate in Asian competitions whereas few are strengthening their sides with new signings. Amidst these, the schedule and groups for Calcutta Football League is out with Indian Super League champions, ATK Mohun Bagan placed in Group 2 of the competition.

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Calcutta Football League is the oldest football league in India as well as in Asia. This will be the 123rd campaign in West Bengal. After Indian Super League and I-League, this league is one of the most sought leagues in India. It is also the top-tier competition in West Bengal.

How the clubs stack in two different groups in the Calcutta Football League?

Calcutta Football League 2021/22

Because of the ongoing pandemic, the football authorities have decided to conduct the shorter format of the tournament instead of the regular league. Owing to COVID-19, the league was canceled in 2020/21. However, the authorities have divided the 14 teams into two groups for better conduction of the league. Mohammedan SC and SC East Bengal Foundation find themselves in Group A of the competition.

According to the new rules, the top three teams from both groups will earn a spot in the knockout stages of the tournament. Six teams will earn direct qualification for the quarterfinals whereas the remaining teams from both groups will face each other to book a spot in the quarterfinals. Eight teams will fight out for the available four spots in the semifinals of Calcutta Football League.

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Previously, there were relegation and promotion in the Calcutta Football League. However, the pandemic has cast doubts over the conduction of the lower level leagues in West Bengal. Hence, there will be no relegation in 2021/22 campaign.

As far as the dates of the tournament are concerned, the tournament is expected to be conducted during August and October. There is also change in the number of foreigners who can be fielded for a game. Maximum of two foreign players can be fielded in the starting XI in the 123rd edition of the Calcutta Football League.

Also Read: I League: Mohammedan SC appoint Mihir Sawant from Gokulam Kerala