Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the reigning champions of the Indian Super League, has decided to halt all football operations indefinitely. This decision comes after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) received no bids for the commercial rights of the ISL, causing uncertainty in the future of domestic football in the country.
The team had planned to start their training camp on Monday, but with the suspension of activities, the camp is on hold until there is clarity regarding the ISL. Contracts of players and support staff will be reassessed next month, although the salaries of all personnel have not been affected.
The AIFF had invited bids for a 15-year contract to monetize the league’s commercial rights starting from October 16. The Bid Evaluation Committee, led by Justice Nageswara Rao, will convene to discuss the next steps regarding the situation.
Regarding the head coach, Jose Molina, who is currently on a break after expressing dissatisfaction with the club management, Mohun Bagan confirmed that his salary has not been suspended. Molina’s contract will be reviewed next month due to the uncertainties surrounding the ISL.
In contrast, East Bengal, who advanced to the Super Cup semifinals, have not suspended their operations. They are gearing up for training to prepare for the upcoming matches scheduled for December. The club remains optimistic about the continuity of the ISL and the Super Cup.
Debabrata (Nitu) Sarkar, a senior executive committee member at East Bengal, expressed confidence in the future of Indian football and called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to support and invest in Indian football during this crisis. Sarkar believes that with BCCI’s backing, Indian football can progress positively.
The situation remains dynamic as stakeholders navigate through the uncertainties surrounding the ISL and the broader football landscape in India.