Calcutta Football League(CFL): History, Current Conditions, and Possible Improvement

The Calcutta Football League (CFL) was the first football tournament in India, and it was held in 1898. It is the oldest existing football league in the region of Asia as well as one of the oldest anywhere in the world, organized by the Indian Football Association (IFA) of West Bengal. It has been an element of pride of Kolkata all along, which is also part of its culture.

Football was already all over the place in Kolkata many years before the birth of the CFL. Clubs like Calcutta FC, formed in 1872, and Trades Club, formed in 1876, started playing friendly matches. The first city competition was in 1889, the Trades Cup. Initially there were purely British and European participants, a reflection of the colonial strength of the era.

Gradually Indian teams began to enter. In 1914, Mohun Bagan and Aryans had joined the second division. The biggest moment was in the year 1934, when the Mohammedan Sporting team became the first Indian team to win the top division in the CFL, which they did consecutively in 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1937.

Dominance of the Big Three Clubs

The Big Three football clubs in Kolkata, namely the East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and the Mohammedan Sporting club have always been under the limelight in the long history of Calcutta Football League. East Bengal leads with 39 titles and Mohun Bagan is in second position with an aggregate of 30 titles and Mohammedan Sporting is in the third position with 14 titles. Collectively, they not only created the story of the league but have also contributed to the growth of the popularity of football in the country of India.

Although the Big Three are usually on the front line other clubs have made their mark. In 1958, the championship of Eastern railway was a big thing as it broke the monopoly of major clubs. Recently, the title was won in the 2019-20 season by Peerless SC, the first non-Big Three club to do so in 61 years. The legacy of CFL demonstrates the great love of the people of Kolkata to the football and how the game is part of the social and cultural heritage of the city.

Downfall of this Historical League

Despite its rich cultural heritage and the passionate football culture of Kolkata, the CFL today grapples with numerous challenges that threaten its prominence in Indian football.

1. Financial Struggles of Smaller Clubs: Many historic clubs, such as Aryan FC and Kalighat Milan Sangha, face severe financial constraints. These clubs, once nurseries for national talent, now struggle with limited sponsorships and rising operational costs. Officials often resort to personal savings to cover expenses, leading to a decline in infrastructure and player development.

2. Administrative and Scheduling Issues: The CFL has been plagued by administrative inefficiencies. For instance, the 2024 season extended well beyond its scheduled conclusion due to disputes over player eligibility and match-fixing allegations. Such delays disrupt the league’s rhythm and erode its credibility .

3. Infrastructure and Player Welfare Concerns: Many clubs lack dedicated training grounds and rely on shared or substandard facilities. During monsoons, poor ground conditions often lead to match cancellations. Additionally, players from economically disadvantaged backgrounds face inadequate nutrition and medical support, affecting their performance and career longevity .

4. Political Interference and Governance Issues: Political affiliations within club administrations have led to controversies, including involvement in financial scandals. Such entanglements divert attention from the sport and hinder transparent governance.

5. Declining Local Talent Representation: The introduction of the “son of the soil” rule aimed to ensure local player participation. However, debates persist regarding its implementation, with some advocating for stricter quotas to promote regional talent. Concerns about address fraud and inadequate verification processes further complicate the issue.

6. Overshadowing by National Leagues: The rise of national leagues like the Indian Super League (ISL) has shifted focus away from state leagues. Top clubs prioritize national competitions, often fielding second-string teams in the CFL, leading to diminished fan interest and media coverage.

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Possible Scopes of Improvement

Though there are some procedures to improve Calcutta Football League (CFL),

1. Strengthening Grassroots Development: A robust grassroots framework is vital for nurturing future talent. Initiatives like East Bengal’s School of Excellence aim to identify and train young players across West Bengal and the Northeast, providing expert coaching and sports science support at minimal costs. Expanding such programs statewide and integrating them with school and community football can create a sustainable talent

2. Enhancing League Structure and Competitiveness: The CFL’s seven-tier pyramid, encompassing over 160 teams, offers a comprehensive competitive landscape. Recent reforms, such as the ‘Son of Soil’ rule mandating at least four West Bengal-born players in the starting XI, promote local talent. Further, the introduction of the Bengal Super League (BSL) as a franchise-based competition aims to professionalize district-level football and serve as a feeder system for higher leagues.

3. Investing in Infrastructure and Facilities: Upgrading training grounds, stadiums, and medical facilities is crucial for player development and fan engagement. The CFL utilizes multiple venues across the state, including the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata and Kalyani Stadium, to host matches. Ensuring these facilities meet international standards can enhance the matchday experience and attract larger audiences.

4. Expanding Media Coverage and Fan Engagement: Media exposure is essential for increasing the league’s visibility. Zee 24 Ghanta’s commitment to broadcasting CFL matches on television and digital platforms has improved accessibility for fans. Leveraging social media, live streaming, and interactive content can further engage younger audiences and build a broader fan base.

5. Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity: The appointment of Sujata Kar as the first female head coach of a senior men’s team in CFL history marks a significant step toward gender inclusivity in Indian football. Encouraging diversity in coaching, administration, and player recruitment can enrich the league’s cultural fabric and appeal.

6. Fostering Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with European clubs, such as those by Borussia Dortmund and Rangers, offer opportunities for knowledge exchange and talent development. Establishing similar partnerships can provide CFL clubs with access to advanced training methodologies and international exposure.

7. Celebrating Heritage and Cultivating Rivalries: The CFL’s rich history, including iconic rivalries among East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting, is a unique asset. Organizing heritage matches, commemorative events, and storytelling initiatives can rekindle nostalgia and strengthen community ties.

Conclusion

Protecting Calcutta Football League is a way of curing an entire situation all at once, putting the illustrious history on a starting block to the present aspirations. Few bullets: beef up grassroots initiatives, straighten out the league system, dump money into stadiums/training facilities, communicate with the media, open up the game to all, find good partners to go with, and embrace the history of the League.

When we address all these areas, then CFL can become the leader again and inspire upcoming players and fans, as it did in the past.