Crystal Palace to be part of U-19 IFA Shield

IFA secretary Utpal Ganguli said that one more foreign team, along with Crystal Palace, may be part of the tournament.

One team each from Goa and Kerala will also join Crystal Palace in the football tournament.

English football club Crystal Palace will be a part of the 120th edition of the IFA Shield football tournament, which turned into an under-19 affair from last year. IFA Shield U-19 tournament this season may also have a team each from Goa and Kerala in the four-week long event, beginning February 16.

Salgaocar (Goa) and State Bank of Travancore (Kerala) could be the two Indian outstations teams, while Crystal Palace have confirmed their participation, IFA secretary Utpal Ganguli said.

“We’re also in discussion with another foreign team to join the four city teams — East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Mohammadan Sporting and United SC,” Ganguli said.

A total of 10 teams including qualifiers from the Kolkata Premier A and Premier clubs will vie for the glittering Shield played across Bengal, Goa and Kerala in 23 matches.

“The winners purse will be Rs 5 lakh, while runners-up will get Rs 3 lakh and there will also be cash incentives for man of the match prizes,” Ganguli added.