ISL to kick off with Blasters vs ATK encounter

MUMBAI: The fifth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) will commence with two-time champions ATK taking on Kerala Blasters FC at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) on September 29.

The ISL on Saturday announced the fixtures for 2018-19 until the mid-season break, featuring 12 rounds and 59 games.

On September 30, the lastseason’s runners-up Bengaluru FC will be up against defending champions Chennaiyin FC at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, a media release said.

The organisers said the upcoming season will have three breaks, two for FIFA windows (8th-16th-October 2018/12th-20th-November 2018), and one starting from 17th December 2018 for the Indian national team’s preparatory camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in United Arab Emirates.

They also said that the-fixtures for 2019 will be announced later.

The League has moved away from double headers on weekend this season and kick-off for all matches will be at 7.30 pm.

SABIA RE-SIGNS

CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC on Saturday announced the signing of Brazilian defender Eli Sabia on a one-year contract.

The 29-year-old centre-back makes a comeback to the club, having made 11 appearances for CFC in the 2016 ISL campaign. He last played for Al-Raed FC in the Saudi Arabian top tier.

“I am very happy to return to Chennaiyin FC. I always felt at home during my first stint with the club, and I am looking forward to working with John (Gregory) and my teammates. I know many of the boys from before and can see that the family atmosphere within the club has remained intact,” Eli said on his return to the southern club.

“Even though I moved to another country I had been following the team’s fortunes last season so I am determined to help the club retain the title and can’t wait to meet the fans back home in Chennai.”

The defender has already joined the pre-season training base of the two-time champions in Malaysia.