East Bengal may have to forfeit first I-League home game

Bengaluru, November 22: East Bengal may have to forfeit three points in their first I-League home game against reigning champions Aizawl FC after issues regarding playing at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

According to a club statement, the government regulations do not permit two matches to be held in 48 hours' time at the same venue.

Indian Super League (ISL) team ATK take on FC Pune City on November 26 and in two days' time, East Bengal is scheduled to play Aizawl in their league opener.

"We requested the I-League committee to let us play at Barasat or shift the match by one day. But they mailed back saying nothing is possible now and the time also cannot be changed," the statement said.

"They also informed us that points could be docked if we do not play," the statement added.

The club has sent the I-League mail to the Sports Department of West Bengal, asking them to review their decision of not allowing them to play at 48 hours' notice.

Meanwhile, the 11th edition of I-League was launched in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The league, from November 25 to March 6, will feature three new clubs -- Gokulam Kerala FC, Neroca FC with their base in Imphal and Indian Arrows from New Delhi.