MUMBAI: Kolkata will host the final of the expanded fourth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) while the inaugural game has been shifted to Kochi.
The now ten franchise-based league kicks off on November 17.
ISL organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on Thursday said the decision has been in light of the massive fan support that was witnessed for Kolkata hosting the FIFA Under-17 World Cup final recently.
“Hero ISL started its journey from Kolkata in October 2014 with a glamorous ceremony, the city of Kolkata for the first time will play host to the Hero ISL grand finale on Saturday, 17th March 2018,” an FSDL statement reads.
The reverse game between Kerala Blasters FC vs ATK earlier scheduled in Kochi will now be played in Kolkata on the same day, i.e. Friday 9th February, 2018.
“ISL started its journey from Kolkata in October 2014 with a glamorous ceremony, the city of Kolkata for the first time will play host to the Hero ISL grand finale on Saturday, 17th March 2018,” the ISL said in a statement.
The reverse game between Kerala Blasters FC vs Atletico de Kolkata, earlier scheduled in Kochi, will now be played in Kolkata on February 9 next year.
ATK are the reigning champions, having beaten hosts Kerala Blasters FC in the final of the last edition in Kochi.
The change is fixtures as follows:
17th November 2017 : Kerala Blasters FC vs ATK in Kochi
9th February 2018 : ATK vs Kerala Blasters FC in Kolkata
All other fixtures remain unchanged.
