West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced that Shree Cement (SCL) has terminated its five-year deal with East Bengal (EB), leaving the club in dire financial straits ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. The cement giant had bought a 76 percent stake in the club a few days before the last season.
At that time Mamta herself played an important role in the conversation. The Chief Minister said that Mr. Cement has returned the rights to the game, but despite the ‘short time’, she is optimistic about the team’s future in the upcoming ISL season starting November 19 in Goa.
“I have received a last minute letter from the officials (Shree Cement Ltd) who expressed their inability to operate it (East Bengal). It’s a very bad attitude, putting the club’s fortunes on hold for several months and then being kicked out at the last minute. We are very sad and angry,” Banerjee said as we record Indian football news.
She added that like Mohun Bagan, the East Bengal team should also continue to play in the Indian Super League. There was a dispute over the final binding agreement between the club and Shree Cement. Meanwhile, a state government official said that the Chief Minister has called a meeting with representatives of both sides at Nabanna on Wednesday.
She further stated: “East Bengal club has a rich tradition. We want Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting Club to play in the ISL. I am happy that Mohun Bagan is playing in the tournament. We want East Bengal also to play in the same”.
“She will help the two sides find a way to resolve their differences,” the official told PTI. East Bengal’s top executive Neetu Sarkar, however, said that they have not yet received the letter of separation from SCL. Sarkar told PTI, “We have not received the letter yet, so cannot comment at this point of time. But we hope to play in the ISL.”
 has terminated its five-year deal with East Bengal. Read more on Beyond100Yards!){kind=link}