CFL championship round from August 3; EB-MB derby on August 31

The championship round of the Calcutta Football League (CFL) will start from August 3, the Indian Football Association (IFA) announced on Thursday.

35-times record champions East Bengal, who are aiming to win a fifth straight title, will take on United Sports Club in the opener on August 3. Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting are the other direct entrants in the championship round with eight other qualifiers from the premier division joining the 12-team league.

The big Kolkata derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is scheduled for August 31. The league will conclude on September 11, a week before the start of the first season of the Indian Super League.

Star Jalsha Movies have also been roped as the television partner.

Key fixtures

August 3: East Bengal vs United SC

August 10: Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan Sporting

August 17: East Bengal vs Mohammedan Sporting

August 24: Mohun Bagan vs United SC

August 31: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan

September 5: Mohammedan Sporting vs United SC