Mohun Bagan suspend activities amid ISL turmoil; East Bengal appeals to BCCI

Mohun Bagan shuts down football activities. (Photo: X)

The future of Indian football plunged into chaos this weekend after the All India Football Federation  failed to attract a single bid for the Indian Super League's commercial rights, prompting reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant to immediately halt all footballing operations.

The shock announcement from the AIFF late Friday that the deadline for the 15-year commercial rights contract had passed without any bidders has cast a long shadow over the domestic game.

Mohun Bagan Closes Camp, Reviews Contracts

Responding directly to the crisis, Mohun Bagan Super Giant indefinitely suspended their preparatory camp, which was scheduled to begin next week.

A club official confirmed the decision: "Our camp has been suspended indefinitely till there is clarity on the Indian Super League," adding, "Now that the season is delayed with uncertainty on ISL, we will review all contracts next month. But we have not stopped anybody's salary, everyone is paid,” the official told PTI.

The club also plans to review the contract of head coach Jose Molina next month, whose salary will continue to be paid despite his current break following a critical outburst about team management after the Super Cup exit.

East Bengal Continues Operations, Appeals to BCCI

In sharp contrast to their arch-rivals, East Bengal FC maintained a "business as usual" stance. The club, which qualified for the Super Cup semifinals, announced they would resume training on Monday in preparation for their knockout fixture against Punjab FC on December 4.

East Bengal senior executive committee member Debabrata Sarkar expressed confidence that the league would continue despite the setback.

"We have not yet suspended our operations. I personally feel ISL will go on. Indian football cannot stop like this. I strongly believe the Union Sports Ministry, AIFF and former officials will definitely not let it happen," Sarkar told PTI.

Critically, Sarkar made an impassioned plea to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to step in and offer financial support to salvage the situation.

"Personally, I have an appeal. Football is the most popular sport worldwide and also in India. So my appeal is if the BCCI gets ready to sponsor Indian football for at least four-five years, for them Rs 100–150 crore is not much. If they take responsibility, Indian football can move forward in a better way. It can’t get better than this,” he stated.

The AIFF's Request for Proposals, which included conditions like mandatory promotion/relegation and a high annual fee, failed to entice investors by the November 7 deadline, placing the responsibility on the Bid Evaluation Committee to determine the next course of action.