Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday assured East Bengal fans that their club would play in the eighth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).
“I want clubs from Bengal to play a leading role. So whatever discussions are on regarding the deal, East Bengal officials will have to give some leeway. Then the deal will be signed. And I am hopeful (SC) East Bengal will play in the ISL — from whatever information I have,” Mamata said during the launch of the Khela Hobe programme at Netaji Indoor Stadium.
She also announced that Rs 15,000 each will be given to nearly 25,500 clubs across the state to observe Khela Hobe Divas on August 16.
“Last year also I had intervened at the last moment. There was no other option since it’s a club from Bengal. Mohun Bagan were already in the ISL. This time also I can say if both the parties give some leeway then everything will be fine.
“Somebody (investor Shree Cement) giving a guarantee of five years is not a joke... every year they have to shell out Rs 50 crore. They agreed to that after a lot of requests.”
Sources said if all goes well, the final agreement would be signed on August 9.
