The Indian Football Association (IFA) seems to be embarrassed as the association is unlikely to get Kanchenjungha Stadium in Siliguri to stage the historic IFA Shield this season. 

The IFA Shield was scheduled to be held at the Kanchenjunga Stadium, Siliguri from 12th to 25th March. 

But IFA secretary Anirban Dutta, when contacted, revealed, "The stadium is unlikely to be available for the tournament during that time. So, we are already in the process of choosing a suitable alternative venue for the tournament."

The secretary added, “Our intention is to organize the tournament in a district where the overall infrastructure is competent and football lovers will also come to see matches.”

However, Bhutan’s premier team Paro FC have confirmed their participation in the historic tournament. Paro FC has become the first Bhutanese team to have qualified for the final phase of the AFC Challenge League.

It is believed, that the IFA Shield this season will have the only foreign team as renowned Brazilian team Botafogo FC is unlikely to be available for the tournament during that time. Simultaneously, no team from Bangladesh will be seen in the competition due to ongoing restlessness in the country. 

Along with Paro FC, the eight-team tournament is expected to witness three big giants of Kolkata, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting. The remaining four out-stationed teams have not yet been finalized.