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East Bengal FC announced their arrival to the Indian Super League through a press release on Thursday. The press release is significant because it means that the impasse between the club and their new investors has come to an end.
The East Bengal Club members had raised their objections about Shree Cements' control over the sporting committees of the club, the club membership and the club constitution in an Extraordinary General Meeting on 29 September. Since then, East Bengal FC and the cement company have been under negotiations to sort out the complications.
The impasse between the two sides even saw the intervention of the Government of West Bengal to help sort out the issue with legal assistance. After a week of deliberation, all the problems have officially been solved, keeping in mind the interests of all concerned parties.
Speaking of this development, Shree Cement managing director Hari Mohan Bangur stated:
"We are delighted to be part of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) from 2020-2021 season. I would like to thank the Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee for her continuous support at all times. She is always ready to help in the development of sport in the state of West Bengal and we share the same vision.”
“We would also like to thank Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) for recognising the legacy of our club and Mrs. Nita Ambani for her constant encouragement."
He added that their objective is to bring back the glory days to East Bengal FC:
"The objective is to bring back the glorious days of the club. For our fans, we promise to leave no stone unturned in our bid to strive for excellence.”
We promise to make East Bengal FC fans proud in our first season: Shree Cement joint managing director
Shree Cement joint managing director Prashant Bangur reiterated Hari Mohan Bangur's sentiments, saying:
“We are delighted to take part in the Hero Indian Super League. At our club, the aim will always be to develop the game in every way possible. We promise to put our best foot forward and make the fans proud in our first season.”
He added that the focus will be on nurturing young talent and on building a sound ecosystem within East Bengal FC:
“From the outset, the focus will be on nurturing talent and creating an atmosphere where every player is charged-up to make our first season memorable. Player development is important to building a sound ecosystem within the club and we are committed to the cause.”
East Bengal FC are set to announce their new head coach Robbie Fowler, along with three foreign signings. Danny Fox, Scott Neville and Anthony Pilkington are said to have agreed terms with the club.
Experienced Indian campaigners like Jeje Lalpekhlua and Narayan Das will also join East Bengal FC.
