XtraTime Web Desk – Joydeep Mukherjee is a very dynamic administrator. A kind of administrator that Bengal Football needs at this point. Even in a pandemic situation, Joydeep Mukherjee and company managed to host second division I-League, IFA Shield and Kanyashree Cup. IFA will be hosting I-League from the month of January.
Joydeep Mukherjee’s resignation is a loss for Bengal Football. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Mukherjee said, “It was my personal decision. I personally think that three secretary needs to give a lot of time and do a lot of work. I think I wasn’t delivering much. Thus, I’ve sent my resignation to Mr. President. I’ve sent the copy of it to the treasurer as well as to the chairman. I am neither angry or upset”.
Even though Mr. Mukherjee said he’s neither angry or upset but it’s being heard that he was facing a lot of trouble lately and that’s why he stepped down. Mr. Ajit Banerjee, the IFA president is heard to play a significant role in Mr. Mukherjee’s decision.
The entire problem started when East Bengal played players from different states for a couple of times in the Kanyashree Cup. According to the rule book, East Bengal were supposed to be disqualified from the tournament but it didn’t happen that way. IFA president Ajit Banerjee is also a member of East Bengal club’s executive committee as well as in charge of their womens team. Thus, Mr. Banerjee is heard to be put some pressure on Joydeep Mukherjee so that East Bengal are given permission play the semifinals instead of disqualifying them. That’s what Joydeep Mukherjee couldn’t agree. He wanted to work freely for the development of Bengal Football but the freedom seemed to be imaginary in this case.
Mr. Mukherjee however doesn’t want to blame anyone and constantly mentioned that it’s his personal decision. However, a question is up in the air that whether or not only club representatives from various clubs be in charge of IFA. Mr. Mukherjee said, “I don’t think so. I resigned before joining as a secretary but it’s everyone’s personal decision”.
This ‘personal decision’ have costed IFA a lot of times in the past. The subject ‘Conflict of Interest’ needs to be dealt well, else no matter how great a administrator is, he/she will face the axe.
Joydeep Mukherjee however said that he will continue as the secretary until the end of I-League. “AIFF has given us a responsibility to host the I-League. This is a huge honour for Bengal Football. The sports department has supported us throughout. Thus, I’ll render my service till I-League ends. As soon as it ends, I’ll leave my office. I’ve mentioned that in my resignation letter”.
Mr. Mukherjee further said that he doesn’t want to continue as the secretary even if his resignation is not accepted. “I’ve taken my decision. I always want to work for IFA but I don’t want to hold the post”.