Traditional rivals, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, have come together to oppose the vision document prepared by All India Football Federation.
The secretaries of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal announced that the two clubs will not accept any suggestions of placing them in separate tiers in the proposed new league structure, which will replace the I-League – the inter-club tournament of the country recognised by the world body FIFA.
There will be a tripartite meeting on Saturday involving the State body – Indian Football Association – and the two clubs to discuss the provisions of the new document transforming the league structure of the country.
“Indian football can’t be without Mohun Bagan or East Bengal. We are the only clubs in the country with highest fan base and any move to keep either of the two out of the Indian Super League will be opposed,” said Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra.
“We have fulfilled the AFC Club licensing criteria. Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have to be there in the top tier of the league.
“It needs to be seen whether the ISL clubs can fulfil the necessary licensing criteria in the first place,” East Bengal secretary Kalyan Majumdar said.
Published - May 18, 2016 11:24 pm IST
