East Bengal Hit by Sudden Crisis Ahead of ISL Kick-Off as Players Boycott Training
"It is true that we have money in our account but are unable to pay the footballers. There are certain issues that we have to comply with under the country's Constitution and the Companies Act. Since we are going through a dissolution period, the problem has arisen. It may take two to three months to resolve," Sarkar explained.
Image courtesy - East Bengal ClubXtraTime Web Desk
East Bengal have been hit by an unexpected crisis just as the Indian Super League (ISL) is about to begin. The Red and Gold Brigade will launch their ISL campaign on Sunday . However, ahead of the season opener, head coach Antonio Lopez Habas and the players boycotted training on Thursday over unpaid salaries.
The players and coaching staff arrived at the training ground but refused to take part in the session, insisting that they would not train until their salaries were paid. The development has plunged East Bengal into an unwanted controversy at a crucial stage of the season.
According to club sources, East Bengal have Rs 3.89 crore in their bank account, but certain technical issues are preventing them from releasing the players' salaries.
Club senior official Debabrata Sarkar acknowledged that the problem had arisen but expressed confidence that it would be resolved soon.
Sarkar explained that despite having money in the account, the club was currently unable to pay the players because of certain complications under the country's Constitution and the Companies Act.
"It is true that we have money in our account but are unable to pay the footballers. There are certain issues that we have to comply with under the country's Constitution and the Companies Act. Since we are going through a dissolution period, the problem has arisen. It may take two to three months to resolve," Sarkar explained.
He added that the club, along with its investor Emami, had been trying to find a solution by arranging funds. He also stressed that everyone needed to understand why the available money could not be spent despite the funds being present in the account.
Sarkar further said that East Bengal had never considered its footballers merely employees, viewing them instead as members of a larger family. However, he acknowledged that incidents like this could bring the employer-employee relationship to the forefront.
"We have to operate in accordance with the country's Constitution and the Companies Act. It may take a few days, but the problem will be resolved soon. Now, it is up to them to decide what they want to do," he added.
Whatever the explanation, the timing could hardly be worse. East Bengal have been playing well and appear to be in good form. Supporters had begun dreaming of an ISL title challenge once again, but this salary dispute has delivered a major setback just before the campaign gets underway.
