The Indian Super League (ISL) final has been shifted from Kolkata to Bengaluru, the organisers announced on Thursday.
"Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) today announced shift of venue for Hero Indian Super League 2017/18 final from Kolkata to Bengaluru," the statement said.
ISL debutants Bengaluru FC, who topped the league stage, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC and FC Pune City are the four teams contesting the two-legged semi-finals.
The first leg of the first semi-final between Bengaluru and Pune ended in a goalless draw at Pune's Shiv Chhatrapati sports complex in Balewadi on Wednesday.
FC Goa are playing against Chennaiyin FC in the first leg of the second semi-final on Saturday at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.
Kunaal Mujgaonkar, Bengaluru FC’s media officer confirmed the change in venue for the final. Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava stadium will now host the final on March 17. It was earlier slated to be played in Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
The final will now be played in Bengaluru regardless of whether Bengaluru FC make it to the finals. The Blues are set to play Pune City FC in the second leg of the semi-finals on March 11, looking to become the first team to book their place in the tournament’s showpiece event.
It also gives Bengaluru FC a chance to lift the ISL trophy at their home ground in front of their vociferous supporters.
This is the first time Bengaluru FC is competing in the ISL having made the switch from the I-League at the start of the season. The team dominated the league stage of the tournament by topping the table with 40 points, while Chennaiyin FC stood a distant second with 32 points.
Bengaluru has previously hosted matches involving the Indian national team at the Kanteerava Stadium.