Churchill Bros opt out of Durand Cup to focus on Goa Pro League

Panaji: Churchill Brothers FC have told organisers of the Durand Cup that they are not in a position to take part in this edition of the oldest football tournament in Asia.
The 131st edition of the Durand Cup will be played in West Bengal, Assam and Manipur from August 16 to September 25. The last edition was played in Bengal and won by FC Goa.
According to the initial plan, the Durand Cup was to have 20 teams which will include 11 from Indian Super League (ISL), five from I-League and four from Services. However, according to an agreement that the organisers have with Manipur state government, local teams TRAU and NEROCA have to be accommodated.
That leaves I-League with the top-three teams getting automatic entries. Gokulam Kerala FC and Mohammedan Sporting have both confirmed, but third-placed Sreenidi Deccan have opted out since they would have just started their pre-season.
Churchill Bros finished fourth and were asked to step in but the former I-League champions have chosen to focus on the Goa Pro League.
“Durand Cup is important, but we cannot ignore the state league which also starts in August,” Churchill Brothers FC CEO Valanka Alemao told TOI on Wednesday. “We have young players this time and it is important to groom them well.”
Rajasthan United, who finished sixth on debut in the I-League last season, have now confirmed their participation in the Durand Cup.
“Thoroughly excited to be part of one of the most prestigious tournament in India. Hoping to do justice to the heritage and the legacy of the tournament,” Rajasthan United said in a social media post.
Defending champions FC Goa will take part in the Durand Cup but it’s unclear whether the Goan side will send their first team or reserves.
The tournament has been cleared by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to be compliant with their entry manual guidelines which makes it mandatory for clubs to play a minimum of 27 matches over eight months.