IFA to telecast 36 matches

Kolkata, July 17 (UNI) Indian Football Association (IFA) will telecast 36 matches of its showcase event Sahara Premier Division Calcutta Football League on a regional channel starting July 31.

Announcing this here today, IFA Secretary Subrata Dutta said, '' It is part of our constant endeavour to promote soccer in the country. Regional news channel 'Chobbish Ghanta' will telecast 36 of the matches of premier division live and exclusive giving people a chance to see their favourite teams play.'' At the same time he made it clear that East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will play their league matches on their home grounds, while all the derby matches will be played at Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

'Chobbish Ghanta' will use eight cameras to bring home some quality production. Mr Dutta was hopeful that this will not only help promote soccer in Bengal and increase the viewership, but will encourage more sponsors to come to the ground.

The matches will be played in seven venues which are East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, YBK, Howrah Municipal Stadium, Rabindra Sarovar Stadium, Barasat Stadium and Kalyani Ground.

However, the big three Mohameddan Sporting, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will have their matches limited to the city.

The channel was planning a host of programmes to make the coverage more meaningful. They include pre and post match analysis, a quiz for the school goers, prizes for audience and some surprises that were not revealed.

Subrata Dutta, however, refused to divulge how much are they getting from the channel for the deal. But sources in IFA put the money to somewhere around Rs 40 lakhs.

Greymind will be in charge of the productions.

The telecast will kick-off with Mohun Bagan-Port Trust tie on July 31. Mr Dutta said that all the exhibition matches will be timed at 1730 hours, while the other matches will be timed at 1530 hours.

He also said that care is being taken that the schedule is not disturbed unless in absolutely trying circumstances.

UNI BA SJC DH RN1938