Bagan, EB could join ISL next season

NEW DELHI: The restructuring of the country’s domestic football is on the cards next year with Mohun Bagan and East Bengal likely to play in the Indian Super League from the 2019-20 season, according to officials. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have been pushing for an ISL entry but the matter has been stuck on the issue of franchisee fee of Rs 15 crore, which the two Kolkata giants were not willing to pay. All India Football Federation (AIFF) senior vice-president Subratta Dutta tried to evade questions on the matter but dropped enough hints that the anticipated restructuring will take place next year. Asked why Churchill Brothers were not relegated from the I-League last season, Dutta said, “Now that the restructuring is going to happen, we thought there was no harm in retaining Churchill Brothers (for this upcoming season) as relegating them would see no representation from the whole of West India.” East Bengal player Lalrindika Ralte was more direct than Dutta, though unwittingly. “I heard that East Bengal are going to play in the ISL next season, so this will be our last I-League campaign. We have to do well and hopefully win the title as we could not do that in the last season,” Ralte said. An AIFF source also indicated that Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will most likely get entry into the ISL next season as both the clubs have roped in new sponsors. — PTI