The wait is over. East Bengal FC becomes the 11th team of ISL this season. After long speculation, the official announcement of the addition of East Bengal to the ISL is finally confirmed today.
Founder & Chairperson of FSDL, Mrs. Nita Ambani said, “It is such a happy and proud moment for ISL as we welcome East Bengal FC and their millions of fans into the League. The inclusion of both legacy clubs, i.e. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan (now ATK Mohun Bagan) opens limitless possibilities for Indian football, especially for talent development in the state.”
“West Bengal has made an immense contribution to growth of football in India. ISL’s growing footprint in the state and across India is yet another step towards our mission of building a competitive and robust football ecosystem.”- She added.
East Bengal tied up with ‘Shree Cement’ as their sponsor recently. After that, they submitted the documents and bid papers to FSDL. Today FSDL confirmed the addition of East Bengal.
East Bengal is one of the oldest clubs in India with a rich history. The club was founded in 1920. ‘Lal-Holud Brigade’ has won the National League 3 times and Federation Cup 8 times. East Bengal FC won ASEAN Club Championship in 2003 which is one of the biggest achievements for any Indian Club in foreign soil. The legacy of this Kolkata Giant and its addition to the ISL will surely enrich the beauty of the league.
The addition of East Bengal makes Kolkata the first city to have two teams in ISL. East Bengal’s fierce rival Mohun Bagan AC has already merged with 3 times ISL champions ATK. They will play in ISL as ATK Mohun Bagan FC from this season. ISL will enjoy one of the greatest rivalry of Asia from this season. The famous ‘Boro Match’ between these two rivals will surely add more excitement to the league.
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