East Bengal Appeals to PM Modi as ISL Crisis Deepens Amid Sponsorship Drought

 Kolkata giants and ISL outfit East Bengal Football Club have sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help uplift the standard of Indian football and resolve the ongoing imbroglio in the country’s top-tier tournament, the Indian Super League (ISL), over sponsorship issues.

Club President Murali Lal Lohia in a letter to the PM made him aware regarding the rapid declining standard of Indian football over the years and the FIFA ranking dipped to 142nd for a 1.4 billion country, which won the Asian Games gold in 1951 and 1962 and bronze in 1970.

India suffered their first defeat against Bangladesh in 22 years this week, going down 0-1 in Group C in the Asian Cup qualifying round. “ This fall from grace is not just a sporting setback, it is a matter of national concern and a reflection of long-standing structural issues that require urgent attention. While the on-field performance of our national teams has fluctuated over time, India at least possessed a vibrant and competitive local league structure that nurtured emerging talent and inspired countless youngsters to pursue football with passion and ambition," the letter said.

Lohia said football continues to be one of the most followed sports in the country next only to cricket and remains the most popular sport globally.

However, over the last four to five years, the administration and governance of Indian football have deteriorated alarmingly. This year, the crisis has reached unprecedented levels. The Indian Super League is yet to begin, with no clarity on when or whether it will commence.

"This uncertainty has deeply distressed players, clubs, officials, and millions of supporters across the country. The administrative paralysis and repeated delays threaten the integrity and future of the sport itself.” EB chief said.

"It is with deep faith in your vision and commitment to national development that we humbly request your intervention to address the crisis facing Indian football,” the letter to PM said.

Seeking support from the highest office in the country, Lohia sought attention of the PMO for starting the ISL as well support from the corporate houses for upliftment of sport in the country.

“Investment and sponsorship in the sport have declined sharply in recent years, leading to severe financial strain for clubs and developmental programs. This acute lack of investment is one of the primary reasons the ISL has not yet commenced this season. Your guidance is urgently required to restore corporate confidence, attract new investment, and ensure the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the league and the broader football structure,” the letter pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Indian supreme football regulating body, the All India Football Federation has not received any hint from any of the corporate houses for ISL sponsorship for coming seasons.