Federation Cup to kick off on Dec 18 with two new teams

New Delhi, Nov 17 (UNI) Federation Cup continues to be haunted by Christiano Junior's tragic death but Indian Football Association (IFA), host of the 28th edition of the tournament, assured they won't compromise on medical facilities when the event kicks off in Kolkata on December 18 with two new teams.

All India Football Federation President Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi today announced the Peerless Federation Cup draw, featuring 16 teams -- including two new outfits, Chirag United of Kolkata and Viva Kerala.

''FC Kochin's departure has necessitated new teams and apart from Chirag United, we pencilled in Viva Kerala from the south,'' Mr Dasmunsi said.

The Rs 26 lakh prize money tournament will see the winner getting richer by Rs 12 lakh while the runner-up would pocket Rs seven lakh.

Later talking to UNI, AIFF Vice President and IFA chief Subrata Dutta said the hosts won't take any chances as far as medical facilities were concerned.

''IFA boasts of the best medical facilities in the country. IFA has its own medical unit. As many as 28 doctors will always be at disposal and we have our own ambulance.

''Even the stretcher-bearers are our guys and we have a full-fledged first aid unit as well,'' he informed.

''Besides, we have a round the year tie-up with Apollo which is our referral hospital and we also have an ambulance which you can call a one-bed hospital,'' he added.

All the matches would be played at the Salt Lake Stadium under floodlights, Mr Dutta said.

Mr Dasmunsi also admitted that junior team coach Islam Akhmedov has offered to resign and said the AIFF executive committee would decide his fate.

Mahindra United meets Chirag United in the tournament opener on December 18, followed by a tie between Vasco Sports Club and Mohammedan Sporting the same day.

On December 19, JCT Mills Phagwara kick off their campaign with a match against Salgaocar SC, while Army XI take on Sporting Clube de Goa in the other match of the day.

East Bengal play their first match against State Bank of Travancore on December 20, followed by a HAL-Dempo SC tie. On December 21, Air India plays Churchill Brothers, while Viva Kerala meets Mohun Bagan.

The third place match is scheduled on December 29 and the final on December 30.

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