Odisha FC has issued an official club statement condemning the racial abuses forward Diego Mauricio faced during the ISL 2024-25 match against East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on 12 December 2024. Odisha FC has taken a strong stance regarding the incident and addressed their concerns about racism in sports. 

The Club Statement

The official club statement published by Odisha FC on their social media handles is as follows:

It is extremely concerning and intolerable that Diego Mauricio has been the target of recent racial taunts. Any kind of racism has no place in either society or sports. In addition to undermining the spirit of fair play, it goes against the principles of unity, respect, and inclusivity that football is supposed to uphold.

Every person needs to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their origin, race, or ethnicity. To ensure that football is a place where all players may flourish without worrying about prejudice or bigotry, Odisha FC and the football community at large must join in denouncing such behavior.

In light of Diego’s abhorrent treatment, the club shall be providing him with the utmost assistance.

𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 | It is extremely concerning and intolerable that Diego Mauricio has been the target of recent racial taunts. Any kind of racism has no place in either society or sports. In addition to undermining the spirit of fair play, it goes against the… pic.twitter.com/PL9F7kBJxY

— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) December 13, 2024

Fueling the fire

East Bengal FC broke the deadlock against Odisha FC but failed to keep their momentum, as Odisha FC came back from behind to score two goals and snatch away the victory in Kolkata last night. 

However, the racial abuses targeting Odisha FC's Brazilian forward Diego Mauricio reportedly started in the 43rd minute of the game, when East Bengal's midfielder Jeakson Singh supposedly fouled Mauricio. Mauricio fell to the ground and appeared to be severely hurt, as match referee Tejas Nagvenkar decided to show a yellow card to Jeakson.

Jeakson, who was already on a yellow, had to receive his second yellow of the game and left the pitch disappointedly. The home crowd filled with East Bengal fans erupted in anger regarding this decision, and they started to racially abuse Mauricio.  

📹 🟥 | WATCH: East Bengal's Jeakson Singh receives a controversial red card against Odisha FC!

Commentator @masefield2110 says it was a "very harsh decision" by ref Tejas Nagvenkar 👀

Agree with the decision, or do you feel Diego over-reacted there?#EBFCOFC #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/ojhR2uRzrr

— The Best 🇮🇳 ⚽ moments (@Moments_ISL) December 12, 2024

There is no official statement that has been published by the Indian Super League regarding this incident, and the player has not spoken a word as well. 

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian football, Rahul KP, the dynamic winger of Odisha FC, has been extended a prestigious invitation to represent English Premier League powerhouse West Ham United in the highly anticipated summer edition of The Soccer Tournament (TST), an elite 7 v 7 football competition featuring 48 teams from across the globe.

This is the first time in Indian football history that an Indian player will represent a top-division English Premier League club men’s team. This is a monumental achievement not only for Rahul's burgeoning career and Odisha FC but also for the continued growth and recognition of the state of Odisha and Indian football on the international stage.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The tournament boasts a diverse international roster, with participating teams and players hailing from countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and India. The star-studded event will notably feature teams led by legendary footballers such as Luis Nani, Sergio Agüero, and Hope Solo.

Rahul KP will join a distinguished West Ham United squad that includes notable personalities like actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin, former Argentina international Mauro Zárate, and several professional athletes who have represented the United States in the World Indoor Football Cup.

The three group stage games featuring West Ham United will be broadcast live on YouTube channels. Additionally, these matches will be televised live on ESPN.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant came back from trailing to beat Bengaluru FC 2-1 in the Indian Super League 2024-25 Final. 

The Blues took the lead in the 49th minute of the game through an own goal from the Mariners. However, the 2024-25 ISL League Shield Winners turned the tables around in the 72nd minute when they pulled off the equalizer from the spotkick.

In the added extra time, Mohun Bagan SG netted the winner in the 96th minute to ensure their historic league double: winning the shield and the cup in the same season!

Read Also | Mohun Bagan SG vs Bengaluru FC ISL 2024-25 Final Highlights | Mohun Bagan complete the league double, wins the ISL Cup coming from behind | FT MBSG 2-1 BFC

So, it's time we look at the ISL winners' List since 2014.

Read Also: Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City FC ISL 2023-24 Final Highlights | Mumbai win the ISL 2023-24 beating Mohun Bagan by 3-1

Who won the first ISL title?

In the inaugural season, ATK, formerly known as Atlético de Kolkata, were crowned the winner as they defeated Kerala Blasters 1-0 in the final. Mohammed Rafique scored an injury-time goal to win the game for his side under head coach Antonio Lopez Habas. The 2014 season featured eight teams, each playing 14 matches during the regular season.

Who have won the most ISL titles?

ATK have been the most dominant team, having secured the title three times. They were dissolved and merged with Mohun Bagan SG (ATK Mohun Bagan previously), who have won the title twice, in the 2024-25 and in the 2022-23 season. 

Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC are the teams who have lifted the titles twice. Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC have also won one title each.

Read Also: ISL 2023-24: Top Goal Scorers List

ISL Winners List since 2014

Hello and welcome to Sportz Point's coverage of the Indian Super League 2024-25 Final.

Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the ultimate showdown between Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. 

Mohun Bagan SG will leave no stone unturned to complete the 'league double' by lifting the ISL Cup after clinching the ISL 2024-25 League Shield, whereas Bengaluru FC will look to avenge their defeat in the 2022-23 season's final to the same opponents and win the Cup.

Read Also | Mohun Bagan SG vs Bengaluru FC ISL 2024-25 Final Match Preview: Head-to-head Stats, Previous Records

As the intense drama is all set to unfold tonight for the last time this season, just sit back and enjoy the match as we provide you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary.

This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

The eleventh edition of the Indian Super League 2024-25 will drop its curtain through one of the fiercest rivalries on Saturday, 12th April, as Mohun Bagan SG will lock horns with Bengaluru FC in the ISL Cup final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Let us know in the comments! ⤵

Watch #ISLPlayoffs LIVE only on @JioHotstar, #StarSports3, and #AsianetPlus! 📺#ISL #LetsFootball #ISLFinal pic.twitter.com/5opU0fyOZj

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) April 8, 2025

Mohun Bagan SG, the league-shield winners, have sealed their passage to the final with a comeback victory over Jamshedpur FC in the second-leg semi-final, advancing with a 3-2 aggregate.

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC thumped Mumbai City FC 5-0 in the knockout before knocking FC Goa out in the semis, winning 3-2 on aggregate to qualify for the ultimate showdown.

As two of the most successful clubs in Indian football are set to engage in a thrilling encounter, from possible starting XIs to Previous records, here is everything you need to know about the Mohun Bagan SG vs Bengaluru FC Cup Final in ISL 2024-25.

Driving forces of their teams! 🔥

⚽️ #MBSGBFC | 🏆 #ISLFinal
📅 Apr 12 | Live Coverage: 7PM
📺 LIVE on @JioHotstar, #StarSports3 & #AsianetPlus#ISL #LetsFootball #ISLPlayoffs #MBSG #BengaluruFC | @StarSportsIndia @mohunbagansg @bengalurufc @Jasoncummings35 @GurpreetGK pic.twitter.com/EhIXpC6YBs

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) April 10, 2025

pic.twitter.com/8T2hDy7kH6

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) April 10, 2025

Match Details 

Match: Mohun Bagan SG vs Bengaluru FC - ISL 2024-25 Final

Date: 12 April 2025

Time: 7:30 pm IST

Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata

Broadcasting and Streaming Details

The live telecast of the Final will be available on the Star Sports 3 TV Channel. The live streaming will also be available on the JioHostar App and website.

Team News and Injury Updates: Mohun Bagan SG

Mohun Bagan SG have shown in the second-leg semifinal why they are the winners of the league shield in two consecutive seasons. 

The Mariners faced a 1-2 defeat in the first-leg against Jamshedpur at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, fearing an early bowout from the playoffs. However, the Kolkata giants dominated the whole game in the second leg, winning 2-0 to storm into the final, thanks to Apuia's injury-time stunner.

One more push 🔥💪🏻#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/rB7mplzQV8

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) April 9, 2025

However, Mohun Bagan SG will definitely leave no stone unturned to prevent the same result as the last season's Cup final, when they bowed down to Mumbai City FC, losing 1-3 and failing to lift the Cup.

This season, the Mariners have not only managed to lift the league shield but also broke numerous ISL records, which have turned their journey into an iconic one. This feat will boost them to clinch the league-double — winning the Shield and the Cup in the same season.

Head coach Jose Molina will have a fully fit squad available for the Final, with Manvir Singh bolstering the attack after coming back from injury. 

Semi-final first leg highlights | Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan SG ISL 2024-25 Semi-final 2 First Leg Highlights | Javi Hernandez's injury-time winner keeps Jamshedpur ahead in the tie | FT JFC 2-1 MBSG

Semi-final second leg highlights | Mohun Bagan SG vs Jamshedpur FC ISL 2024-25 Semi-final 2 Second Leg Highlights | Apuia's world-class strike in injury-time fires Mohun Bagan into the Final | FT MBSG 2-0 JFC (AGG 3-2)

Team News and Injury Updates: Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC have practically humbled both teams they have faced in playoffs on their way to the Final, despite finishing third on the league table.

The Blues dismantled Mumbai City FC 5-0 in the first knockout to enter the semis. Following that, Bengaluru posted a 2-0 victory over FC Goa in the first leg of their semi-final tie before securing a 3-2 aggregate after the second leg, despite a 1-2 defeat at Fatorda.

One last shift in Bengaluru before the Blues push off to Kolkata for the #ISLFinal. Focus! 💯 #WeAreBFC #MBSGBFC #Ottige #ಒಟ್ಟಿಗೆ pic.twitter.com/lc4Nf2OKs2

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) April 10, 2025

Bengaluru are on the verge of winning the ISL Cup again after the 2018-19 season, when they defeated FC Goa 1-0 in the final. 

Head coach Gerard Zaragoza will also have a completely fit squad available for selection as they have no injury concerns and will go for the Cup applying their full force.

Semi-final first leg highlights | Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa ISL 2024-25 Semi-final 1 First Leg Highlights | The Blues secure a two-goal cushion in the first semi-final with a convincing win over the Gaurs at home | FT BFC 2-0 FCG

Semi-final second leg highlights | FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC ISL 2024-25 Semi-final 1 Second Leg Highlights | Sunil Chhetri wins it for the Blues with an injury-time goal; Bengaluru march on to the Final | FT FCG 2-1 BFC (AGG 2-3)

Head-to-Head Stats in ISL

Matches Played: 11

Mohun Bagan SG won: 8

Bengaluru FC won: 2

Draws: 1

Previous records in ISL 

In the Indian Super League history, Mohun Bagan SG have the upper hand in the rivalry against Bengaluru FC, having earned 8 wins across 11 matches, including the victory on penalties in the 2022-23 ISL Cup final. 

2️⃣ OF THE VERY BEST! 🙌

⚽️ #MBSGBFC | 🏆 #ISLFinal
📅 Apr 12 | Live Coverage: 7PM
📺 LIVE on @JioHotstar, #StarSports3 & #AsianetPlus#ISL #LetsFootball #ISLPlayoffs #MBSG #BengaluruFC pic.twitter.com/QW4vHaXJan

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) April 10, 2025

Predicted XIs

Mohun Bagan SG

Vishal Kaith (GK); Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodrigues, Subhashish Bose; Liston Colaco, Anirudh Thapa, Apuia, Manvir Singh; Jason Cummings; Jamie Maclaren 

Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Naorem Roshan Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Rahul Bheke, Namgyal Bhutia; Suresh Singh Wangjam, Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo; Sunil Chhetri, Edgar Mendez, Ryan Williams 

The All India Football Federation announced the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 fixture on Monday, April 7th. 

The fifth edition of the Kalinga Super Cup will take place entirely at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from April 20 to May 3, where 16 teams will ply their trade for the coveted silverware.

The champions of this tournament will also seal the passage to the 2025–26 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) Playoffs, having an opportunity to represent India in continental stages. 

Format and Teams 

AIFF has announced that the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 edition will return to its previous knockout format, similar to the first two editions in 2018 and 2019. The 2023 and 2024 editions featured an expanded group stage format, followed by a knockout round.

However, 13 Indian Super League teams will participate in the tournament, as they were seeded for the Round of 16 according to their final league position in the 2024-25 season. On the other hand, three I-League teams confirmed their participation – Churchill Brothers, Inter Kashi, and Gokulam Kerala FC. 

They will face the top three ISL teams– Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FC Goa, and Bengaluru FC. These teams will know their opponents in the opening Round of 16 through a draw on Wednesday, April 9.

In the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, if the scores are level at the end of 90 minutes, there will be no extra time. Instead, a penalty shoot-out will determine the winner. However, if the scores are tied at the end of 90 minutes in the final, extra time will be played, and if necessary, a penalty shoot-out will determine the champion.

Teams of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025:

I League Clubs:

Churchill Brothers FC Goa

Inter Kashi

Gokulam Kerala FC

ISL Clubs:

Complete Schedule 

The Round of 16 matches will take place on April 20, 21, 23, and 24. The quarter-finals are scheduled for April 26 and 27, followed by the semi-finals on April 30. The final match will be held on May 3.

Mark the dates for the #KalingaSuperCup! 🏆

April 20 - May 3 🗓️
Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar 🏟️

More details 🔗 https://t.co/RRioHkR4lJ#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/bf96Vc4cNB

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) April 7, 2025

Here is the Knockout bracket for the Kalinga Super Cup 2025:

The bracket for the #KalingaSuperCup 2025 is set! ⚔️

16 teams, 1 trophy 🏆
📍 Bhubaneswar#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/XQrvtkc92W

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) April 7, 2025