Calcutta Football League continues to score high with football fans

Press Release

The Calcutta Football League (CFL) organized by the Indian Football Association (IFA) which is associated with the All India Football Federation is one of the oldest football leagues in the world. The first CFL was played under the banner of the IFA in 1898.

CFL 2014 opened to an unprecedented response of 27.5 lakh television viewers across the first week and continued gaining further momentum in week#2 when 32.2 lakh viewers hooked on to their television sets (CS 4+, WB market).Over the period of the first three weeks the league saw a total of 55 lakh viewers tuning in from all over India. In 2013, the league got average 37 TVT’s per match and in 2014, it has now got average 52 TVT’s per match indicating over 40% increase in viewership (CS M 25+ AB, WB market). These numbers clearly indicate the popularity of football as a sport and, it also signals a strong affinity of the masses towards domestic football.

CFL 2014 is being telecast ‘Live’ on Jalsha Movies of STAR network. Iconic teams like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohemmedan Sporting Club along with several other teams are showcasing their talent in this coveted league. These matches are being played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Barasat Stadium and with the participation of star players like Ranty Martins, Katsumi, Piere Boya and Shilton Pal, the league ensures it is never short of excitement.

“CFL is the oldest football leagues in the world. Being played in the city of Kolkata – a city that eats, drinks and lives football – the tournament will never lose its charm and will only rise in terms of the popularity in the coming years. Each year the league enjoys a tremendous response and similarly, this year too, there has been a considerable spike in the viewership numbers,” said Mr. Kevin Vaz, Business Head – Star Jalsha and Jalsha Movies.

Having started on August 10, 2014, currently, this month long league is in the deciding stages and the last match would be played on September 12, 2014.