Pressure is mounting on East Bengal to sign the final agreement with investor Shree Cement.

On Wednesday, SC East Bengal were told by the ISL organiser, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), that they have to set their house in order to ensure participation in ISL VIII, since there is very little time for a new investor to come on board and complete the formalities.

The Telegraph had in its June 12 edition reported that the axe may fall on SC East Bengal.

SC East Bengal was not supposed to attend the meeting but CEO Shivaji Samaddar was present following a request from FSDL.

“If the impasse continues then SC East Bengal will not be a part of ISL VIII,” a representative, who spoke on behalf of Shree Cement, said.

“The onus is on our investor to do the needful,” club official Debabrata Sarkar said.

Abroad an option

ISL VIII could be held in Doha or the UAE, if the Covid-19 situation doesn’t improve in India. If it’s held in the country, Goa, like last season, could be the venue.

The league may start from the later part of November.