New Delhi, August 27: The Indian Football Association (IFA) is planning to hold the upcoming edition of the historic IFA Shield at the end of September this year. According to the association, the plan is to start the tournament at the end of September, ahead of the upcoming ISL season. The Super League season is set to start from the second week of October.

According to a report by Revsportz, quoting sources close to the matter, the tournament will have six teams, similar to the last edition. The tournament will feature two groups, with the top sides from each pool advancing directly to the championship clash. Several prominent Kolkata clubs are being considered for participation, including defending IFA Shield champions Mohun Bagan SG, reigning Durand Cup winners East Bengal FC and Mohammedan SC.

Alongside these three city heavyweights, the Indian Football Association (IFA) is also in discussions with additional Indian Super League (ISL) outfits and clubs competing in the Indian Football League (IFL), aiming to strengthen the tournament’s lineup.

The tournament organisers are yet to finalise the venues for the upcoming fixtures, although a preliminary plan has already been outlined. Under the proposed arrangement, most group-stage matches could be held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, which is expected to serve as the primary venue during the early stages of the competition.

The organisers are, however, considering the final venue separately, with the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) being lined up to host the title clash. The iconic Salt Lake stadium could provide a fitting setting for the tournament’s decisive encounter.