ISL: Kolkata to host final, first game shifted to Kochi

The final of the fourth edition of Indian Super League (ISL) will be held in Kolkata while the inaugural game has been shifted to Kochi. The franchise-based football league kicks off on November 17.

After hosting the U-17 World Cup final last month, Kolkata will also host the Indian Super League final.

 

Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on Thursday announced hosting the Indian Super League 2017-18 final in Kolkata. As a result, the season opening game between ATK and Kerala Blasters, that was earlier scheduled to be held in Kolkata, has been moved to Kochi.

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The decision to shift the final has been taken post the grand success of Kolkata in hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup final recently. “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 ISL grand finale on Saturday, 17th March 2018,” the ISL said in a statement.

The reverse game between Kerala Blasters and ATK, earlier scheduled in Kochi, will now be played in Kolkata on February 9 next year. All other fixtures remain unchanged.

ATK is the reigning champion, having beaten Kerala Blasters FC in the final of the last edition in Kochi.