Earlier today Bengali daily Ei Samay reported that the Punjab-based I-League club RoundGlass Punjab is in plans to join the ISL-Indian Super League as a replacement of SC East Bengal in the upcoming season. Reportedly Kolkata giants SC East Bengal are currently undergoing a feud with their investor Shree Cements. Owing to it the Red and Golds have not yet started their team-building process and have failed to add clarity to their recent conditions. Football Monk took a look into the matter and comes up with a detailed story.
Turmoil within East Bengal
East Bengal Club officials are in turmoil with their investors Shree Cement Foundation for more than four months. The scenario started off with regards to the term sheet that the club officials were scheduled to sign ahead of the upcoming season.
But in reality, both the parties are acres away from a common point. And are yet to find out a way out from this chaos. Thus making the century old club look vulnerable in order to participate in the country’s top fleet where they hooped in just last season. Though, East Bengal officials have assured from time to time that these matters won’t stop the club from participating in the ISL. But a lot of clouds still remain in their skies.
Possible Rise of Punjab
The name RoundGlass Punjab FC has popped up in the ISL tale since last season. When the Sunny Singh owned entity picked up the bid paper in a surprise move last year. Joining the countries top fleet has always been a priority for this well-established Indian Club.
The Current Story
Sources closed to the development confirmed Football Monk that initial dialogues between the ISL Governing body and the RGP officials have started regarding a possible addition. On the other hand, with the support of an investor like RoundGlass Punjab FC has resources to back them up for bidding a spot in the ISL.
However, these two situations are not related to each other. As we understand that the league is in plans of adding more teams. And there is no thought of finding a replacement for East Bengal.
AFC regulations
According to AFC’s recent regulation, a team has to play at least 27 matches in the domestic league in order to participate in Asian Champions League. But in India, the current number of matches is 20 with 11 teams participating in ISL. Though the AFC made a special consideration last season. The league organizers need to implement the Asian Confederation rules at the earliest. So, the inclusion of more teams is necessary in order to keep the teams eligible for the coveted ACL spot. Punjab FC’s inclusion thus looks promising for the future and development of the league.
Inclusion of Northern India
After Delhi Dynamos have been dissolved there has been a void of representation from Nortern India in the ISL. It has a serious impact on the fan interaction in these parts of the Country. Punjab’s inclusion can also solve this problem for the better. Though both the situations with SC East Bengal and Punjab FC are far away from the conclusion. One has to wait and watch how the proceedings go in the next few weeks.
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