All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey has written to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, requesting the reinstatement of Durand Cup matches in Kolkata. Last Sunday, the Derby match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan was canceled due to concerns over the city's law and order situation following nationwide protests over the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor at RG Kar hospital. However, this decision did not sit well with sports enthusiasts and fans.
In a letter to Mamata Banerjee, Kalyan Chaubey explained how the Durand Cup derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, which was scheduled for August 18 and was cancelled due to intelligence warnings of potential violence, holds global significance along with the Durand Cup, highlighting their deep connection to Kolkata's football culture. Chaubey mentioned receiving numerous appeals from fans worldwide, urging the reinstatement of the Durand Cup matches in Kolkata.
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“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. 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,” the AIFF president wrote in the letter.
“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,” he added.
“In my capacity as the President of the AIFF, I earnestly urge your office to take all necessary steps and measures to ensure that the Durand Cup matches can be held in Kolkata as scheduled. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I await your response and confirmation,” Chabey concluded in the letter.