On Tuesday, Sourav Ganguly announced the possibility of Manchester United tying the knot with East Bengal. Within 24 hours, the new investor turned up. However, not Sourav’s proposed Manchester United, to everyone’s surprise, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the name of the Emami group on Wednesday afternoon as the investor! Many East Bengal fans in the media keep asking, “What happened to Manchester United?”
The future of East Bengal has been at the centre of discussion since its break-up with former investor Sree Cement over a dispute over the deal. A month ago, it was heard that the Red and Yellow team could play in ISL by tying the knot with the Bashundhara group of Bangladesh. Talks between the two sides went a long way. East Bengal officials also went to Dhaka to discuss. But in the end the deal did not happen. As a result, doubts remained about East Bengal’s game in the ISL next season. Anxiety was growing among millions of red-and-yellow supporters. Although the club officials were demanding at that time, the Chief Minister was by their side. She has promised to help bring in new investors. That is what happened in the end. This time the complication was removed with the intervention of the Chief Minister.
CM’s Note
After meeting East Bengal and Emami officials in Nabanna on Wednesday afternoon, the Chief Minister said, “Both sides came to me for tea. They have agreed. The problem that East Bengal faced in playing in the ISL has been resolved.”
Debabrata Sarkar, East Bengal’s top official, said: “We will not underestimate Didi. She has always been by the side of our club. He added, “Thanks to the Emami group. I promise to walk the path together in the coming days. Hopefully, I can give joy to all the football fans.” Aditya Agarwal on behalf of Emami Group said, “We hope we will succeed in meeting the expectations. With the good wishes of all, East Bengal and Emami will reach the pinnacle of success together.” However, East Bengal’s relationship with this investor is not new. They were also associated with the red-yellows in the nineties.
After the announcement of the name of the new investor, discussions have started about when the agreement will be signed between the two parties. It is learned that the club officials want to settle the agreement with the new investor by holding quick talks. The meeting will also discuss the formation of a strong team next season. The top East Bengal official said, “We will sit down for talks soon. The agreement will be finalized as soon as possible.”
Former star Shyam Thapa said, “I am very happy for East Bengal to have a new investor. Thanks to the Chief Minister for standing by the club. Hopefully, East Bengal will succeed in the upcoming ISL by building a good team.” He added: “I want investors and club executives to work together for the betterment of the club. I do not want to see a recurrence of the past.”