We’ve been looking for new sponsors since day one, Debabrata Sarkar hits out at Quess Corp

We’ve been looking for new sponsors since day one, Debabrata Sarkar hits out at Quess Corp

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East Bengal’s committee member Debabrata Sarkar has publicly hit out at Quess Corp expressing their unhappiness with the investors and stating that they are looking for a new investor. The investors, who take all major decisions of running the club, hold seventy percent stake in the historic club.

After the rifts between the investors and the club administration were first observed over East Bengal’s participation fiasco in Hero Super Cup last season, it has again come out in public, concerning East Bengal’s decision to send a strong squad in the upcoming Durand Cup. 

Sarkar mentioned the difference regarding that, along with the club’s decisions with foreign players owing to his displeasure. “We don't run the football team. The company runs it. They do not discuss any matters with us. From our part, we intimate them of certain things that we think need to be thought over,” said Sarkar, reported Goal. 

“For example, the Durand Cup. We were clear that sending a weaker team will not be an option. The company has accepted it and has talked it out with the coach (Alejandro Menendez). 

“As a supporter of the club, I am disappointed with the team prepared by Quess Corp. I am not happy. Obviously, the team could have been better but there is still scope. If the two-three foreign players come good, then the team can put up a challenge," added Sarkar.

Sarkar has also revealed that Quess Corp chairman Ajit Isaac has been invited at the club's centenary celebrations, but wasn’t sure if the Bengaluru-based industrialist would be present. "It is nothing to be ashamed of but they (Quess Corp) are running the show and we are watching now. Let us see, we hope for the best," Sarkar said. 

Sarkar also spilled the beans on the difference going on in the Quess Corp, citing the financial loss that the company has recently incurred, further assuring his willingness to part with the club.

"I have heard that their (Quess Corp) position in the market is not that good. Apparently, they have suffered losses of INR 150-200 Crore and the directors have 'attacked' the chairman in their board meeting. We haven't been told anything. 

"Seven days after signing the pact (5 July 2018), I decided any opportunity to break out of this deal should not go amiss. Even today I maintain my stance, the day we get an opportunity, we will part ways. We are not happy with the situation. Look, I will be honest, we have been looking for new sponsors since day one," he added.

Facts, however, point to the contrary as Quess Corp's revenue for the first quarter ending 30 June 2019 was up 21.3 percent to INR 23.95 billion (USD 346.9 million), and based on its current share price, the company still has a market value of INR 66.3 billion (USD 960.38 million).

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