Kolkata: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is keeping Kolkata giants East Bengal in the scheme of things as far as the forthcoming I League season is concerned. In a telephonic conversation with Xtra Time on Tuesday, the Federation secretary confirmed, “There will be 11 teams playing in the I-League next season. Maximum it can think of is having 12 teams. Not more.”
On being asked if there is any possibility of East Bengal playing ISL next season, Kushal Das said,
“If East Bengal can arrange everything (all paper works) in time, then they can certainly play ISL next season. Federation will then have to stage the I League with one less team.”
If the Federation is still hopeful of seeing East Bengal in the top tier league then why is the Kolkata based club is being thought for the I League as well.
According to the Federation secretary,
“They (East Bengal officials) were present at the I-League meeting. As far as their participation in ISL is concerned, that will not matter. The main thing is they have to organize all the necessary documents (fulfilling club licencing criteria) to be able to play in the ISL.”
However, East Bengal has not yet completed the licensing process. The erstwhile investors Quess have not yet returned the sporting rights to East Bengal. The solicitors of East Bengal are working on it, which has been intimated to the Federation by the club officials.
East Bengal’s arch rivals Mohun Bagan have joined hands with ATK as they will take part in the ISL as one entity from 2020-21 seasons. As a result, the federation has invited fresh bids for new clubs to play in the I League to fill the vacancy created by Mohun Bagan. The name of Delhi based club Sudeva FC is making rounds as the prospective club to play in the I League from upcoming season. Clubs will have to apply between June 10 and June 20 to play in the I-League next season.
Football fans will be eagerly waiting to see how many teams will play in I-League next season- 11 or 12 teams. But even bigger curiosity – whether East Bengal plays in the top tier ISL or the second tier I League.