Durand Cup 2021: Army Red withdraw from quarterfinal after positive COVID-19 cases in squad

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Kolkata, September 23: Army Red were on Thursday (September 23) forced to withdraw from their Durand Cup quarterfinal against FC Bengaluru United after COVID-19 cases were detected in their squad, allowing their opponents to move into the last-four stage.

The match was scheduled for Friday (September 24) but has now been called off.

"The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of 130th Durand Cup, has called off the quarterfinal game between Army Red and (FCBU) scheduled for Friday, September 24, 2021, at the Kalyani stadium due to positive COVID cases reported in the Army Red squad," a media release said.

"All decisions have been taken, keeping in mind the health and safety of players and officials primarily and the continuity and success of the tournament," the release added.

The other quarterfinal between Goa and Delhi FC will be held as scheduled on Friday (September 24).

In the previous 129th edition, held for the first time in the city, Gokulam Kerala emerged champions, beating Mohun Bagan 2-1 in front of a packed stadium, to register their first silverware in club history.

Defending champions Gokulam Kerala, however, won't have a chance to retain the title as they lost their quartefinal clash 0-1 against Mohammedan SC on Thursday (September 23).