Clubs play better football in I-League than ISL, says Debabrata Sarkar

07/06/2018

Debabrata Sarkar has insisted that Indian Super League doesn't matter and clubs in I-League play better football than ISL. The executive member also stated EB wants a single league where all clubs can participate and stated that if ISL reopens bidding then the club would definitely place its bid.

Backed by the newly-formed JVC, although East Bengal has been pondering over options of picking up the bid paper for playing in the franchisee-based ISL, their switch from I-League to ISL seemed unlikely this season. Moreover, Sarkar has stated that the club has been expecting a single league where all the clubs would participate and insisted that the clubs in I-League play better than ISL.

"East Bengal is expecting a merged league. ISL does not matter. Clubs play better football in I-League than ISL. But again I repeat that we want a single league where all clubs can participate. If ISL decides to reopen bidding, East Bengal will definitely submit a bid," said Debabrata Sarkar as quoted by Goal India.

The club recently announced their association with business service provider Quess Corp on Thursday in a deal that would result in the club being rechristened as Quess East Bengal FC Pvt Ltd (QEBFC). On being asked about their new deal Sarkar stated that they were satisfied with what Quess had to offer and hence, the deal took place.

"They had a dream to take football to a greater level. We talked about youth development, corporate sector and upgrading facilities. We were happy with whatever chats we had. Today it took a final shape. We will work together to make East Bengal India's premier football club," he said.

The deal would give Quess 70 percent shares of the newly created company but the number of board members from the investor and the club management would get four each. Quess also has the authority to bring in new sponsors or co-sponsors as they wish.

"We are looking forward to corporatizing East Bengal club. We are planning to open football schools in every district of West Bengal. We are also planning to offer franchises to interested parties in every district. Special attention will be given to spreading official merchandise not only in India but worldwide. These are the three primary aspects that we are focussing on right now," explained Debabrata Sarkar.

"They (Quess) are prepared to spend even INR 100 CR if required. Budget is not a problem. The entire expenditure will be borne by them. We have four directors and they have four directors on the board and have formed a new company. We have 30 percent and they have 70 percent (shares). But we are equal on the number of board members and even on workable adjustments.

"Company can bring on board any sponsor and co-sponsor. It entirely depends upon the company. Budget is not a problem," Sarkar concluded.

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