Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), who had initially pulled out of the upcoming Durand Cup, have agreed to participate in the tournament — but only if certain conditions laid out by the club are met. The 133rd edition of Asia’s oldest football competition is set to kick off on July 23, featuring 24 teams across six venues in five states.
In a letter sent in response to the Durand Committee’s official invitation, Mohun Bagan listed four key demands. Chief among them is clarity on the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) , which the club says hinges on the Supreme Court’s pending verdict on the proposed amendment to the All India Football Federation constitution. Only after this ruling can the AIFF decide on the MRA (Master Rights Agreement) proposed by FSDL — the blueprint upon which ISL’s future direction depends. The Mariners want to align their planning accordingly.
There is also a logistical issue with training facilities. With both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan having used the VYBK training grounds for the ongoing Calcutta Football League, the Durand Committee’s pre-booking of these venues has left the clubs in a fix. The only available option at present is the AIFF’s astroturf at the National Centre of Excellence. As a result, Mohun Bagan have officially requested permission to use the Salt Lake Stadium’s practice ground during the tournament.
Another longstanding concern pertains to ticketing. In previous editions, especially in derbies and big-ticket clashes, fans had faced significant difficulties in securing tickets. This time, the club are seeking a firm assurance that tickets will be distributed as per their requirements — to avoid last-minute chaos and ensure fan access.
Finally, Mohun Bagan have asked for clarity regarding their group-stage opponents. The club have specifically requested to know whether the much-anticipated Kolkata derby against East Bengal will take place during the group stage or in the knockout rounds. According to a tentative schedule circulating on social media, Mohun Bagan have reportedly been grouped with Mohammedan Sporting and debutants Diamond Harbour FC.
A source close to the club has confirmed that if there is no derby scheduled in the group stage, Mohun Bagan may field a reserve team for the initial rounds — featuring mostly domestic players. However, should the team advance to the knockout stages, and if the ISL situation becomes clearer, the club is expected to field a stronger side including their foreign stars.
This year’s Durand Cup will feature only six ISL teams: Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC, and NorthEast United FC. Seven ISL clubs have opted out. To fill the void, the Durand Committee has extended invitations to several new and returning sides — including Real Kashmir FC, Namdhari FC, Ladakh FC (the first from the region), ITBP, South United FC, Neroca FC, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (Assam), Rangdajied United FC (Shillong), and debutants Diamond Harbour FC. Indonesia Army FC is also expected to join, though their participation remains unconfirmed.
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