Revamped Federation Cup draw opens the possibility of an East Bengal-Mohun Bagan final

East Bengal won the Federation Cup last season under English coach Trevor Morgan

The I-League and Federation Cup committee held a meeting with all I-League clubs (barring Mohun Bagan, who are still banned from such AIFF meetings) and confirmed that this season’s Federation Cup will have a new home and away format, similar to most domestic cup competitions around the world.

Started in 1977, India’s version of the FA Cup previously used to be held in pre-decided venues over two to three weeks but now the tournament will be held in the course of the season while the I-League is on.

Sixteen teams will be participating, with each round until the semi-finals being a two-legged tie. The matches will be taking place on weekends and the final will be played in a neutral venue depending on the teams that make it through. AIFF will bear the costs of clubs for their away legs in the Federation Cup.

The draw was also conducted at the AIFF House on Wednesday and it kept open the possibility of a mouth-watering East Bengal – Mohun Bagan final. The arch-rivals have contested nine finals in the past, with Mohun Bagan winning five (the teams were declared joint-winners in two finals).

The top eight teams from last season’s I-League were kept in pot one with six other confirmed I-League clubs for next season including newly promoted Rangdajied United and Mohammedan Sporting and newly included Mumbai Tigers and JSW in the other pot. Two teams remain undecided with Pailan Arrows’ name also not confirmed yet.

East Bengal, who are the holders, drew Mumbai Tigers while 13-time record champions Mohun Bagan face Pune FC, in undoubtedly the tie of the round. The first legs of the round of 16 matches are likely to be played on the weekend of October 5.

The draw (team on the left to play first leg at home)

ROUND OF 16:

Match No. 1: Prayag United vs Team 16 Match No. 2: Salgaocar vs Team 15 Match No. 3: Sporting Clube de Goa vs Rangdajied FC Match No. 4: JSW vs Churchill Brothers Match No. 5: Mohammedan Sporting vs Dempo Match No. 6: Mohun Bagan vs Pune FC Match No. 7: Mumbai Tigers vs East Bengal Match No. 8: Shillong Lajong vs Mumbai FC

QUARTERFINALS:

Quarterfinal 1: Winner of Match 1 vs Winner of Match 3 Quarterfinal 2: Winner of Match 5 vs Winner of Match 7 Quarterfinal 3: Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 4 Quarterfinal 4: Winner Match 6 vs Winner Match 8

SEMIFINALS:

Semifinal 1: Winner of Quarterfinal 1 vs Winner of Quarterfinal 2 Semifinal 2: Winner of Quarterfinal 3 vs Winner of Quarterfinal 4