Albert Roca’s latest comment will make every East Bengal and Mohun Bagan fan happy

FIFA, AFC officials to visit Kolkata for ISL, I-League merger Image: XtraTime
Albert roca wants East bengal and Mohun Bagan in ISL. File Pic

Internet Desk: Two-time I-League champions Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca met with the press today in Mumbai ahead of the ISL 2017, where he said that It’s a shame that Indian football giants like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are not part of the ISL and feels that both the Kolkata outfits will join the league in quick time.

The Bengaluru based franchise will play ISL instead of I-League this season, but both the Kolkata giants decided to remain in the I-League for the forthcoming season. They stated the reason that they won’t pay the franchisee fees which is must for any ISL franchise.

Beside Bengaluru FC, a newly formed side Jamshedpur FC will also take part in ISL 2017, which will be a 10-team affair. Bengaluru had some epic rivalries with both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in I-League and Roca wants the same in ISL too.

“It’s a shame that East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are not part of the ISL. They have been an important part of Indian football history. I am sure it is only a question of time before they join the league. We at BFC look forward to playing with them,” Roca said.

The AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor made it clear that as per the constitution of the Asian Football Confederation, there is no provision of having two leagues and India will have one league from next season.

The Legacy of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is unquestionable, and both the teams has been regarded as the Pathfinders of Indian football. They also have the biggest fan base in India. The AIFF has to look for some solution to assure both the Kolkata giants would take part in ISL from next season.