Kolkata: In a u-turn within a day, Shree Cement decided to reinstate their association with East Bengal thus confirming the Red and Golds’ participation in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22. The decision came in after both parties met face-to-face with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Last year, it was Banerjee too whose timely intervention helped East Bengal made their ISL debut last season. “We want to play. There were some differences so we could not sign the agreement. But since you (Mamata Banerjee) have requested, we have decided that we will participate in ISL,” stated Subash Jajoo, Shree Cement’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The club officials who had been in a long tussle with investors regarding the final term sheet of the agreement also thanked the CM for her intervention to take the matter into hands. “Mamata Banerjee has helped us to play in ISL this season. I also thank Shree Cement for their co-operation,” East Bengal senior official Debabrata Sarkar said after the meeting.
Now with the agreement being signed, the focus now shifts to building the squad for the upcoming season as well as completing necessary formalities which are needed to make East Bengal play in the ISL 2021-22. Banerjee, who played a key role in reviving the future of the centenary club, mentioned the importance of fans and their emotions attached to their beloved side.
“East Bengal has played the ISL last year owing to Shree Cement. This time things were a bit uncertain until now because of which day before yesterday, I too became a bit hostile,” the Chief Minister added.
“Where will East Bengal fans go, I thought, if they aren’t able to play? I want Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and even Mohammedan Sporting to play (in the ISL) in the upcoming days. They have a brand value in global football. I think EB fans are happy today. Even MB will be happy cause they want their opponents to play,” she said.
“There were many who called me to express their disappointment regarding the earlier situation”, she further stated. The tussle began this year after the completion of ISL 2020-21 when East Bengal refused to sign the final term sheet.
It was reported that if East Bengal sign the final term sheet, it would transfer the sporting rights solely with Shree Cement. Earlier on Tuesday, Shree Cement decided to part ways with East Bengal agreeing to transfer the sporting rights with nothing in return.
