East Bengal’s hopes of joining the Indian Super League received a boost with an official from the club stating that the club is in advanced talks with an investor following West Bengal government’s intervention.
With their centenary foundation day barely a month away, the club is grappling with financial woes following the premature pull-out of its former investor Quess Corp, who were the title sponsors for two seasons.
But now the state’s political leaders, both ruling and opposition, have weighed in to support the Kolkata giants. But it remains to be seen whether East Bengal can follow in the footsteps of arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, who have joined the top-tier ISL by forming a new entity with reigning champions ATK.
“The government is helping out in roping in an investor and it’s at an advanced stage. We will announce it when everything is finalised,” the East Bengal official told PTI.
East Bengal also got the backing from the opposition party with Jadavpur MLA Sujan Chakraborty writing a letter to chief minister Mamata Banerjee to facilitate the move.
“We are very grateful for Sujanda’s support. Both the West Bengal government and East Bengal are very, very hopeful to join the ISL from next season,” the East Bengal official said.
Banerjee has held talks with the All India Football Federation President Praful Patel about the matter.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!