Kolkata: Uncertainty surrounding the future of East Bengal FC continues despite the club’s recent on-field success. Although the Red-and-Gold brigade ended a 22-year wait for a major national trophy last season, questions regarding the club’s long-term financial and administrative future remain unresolved.
Read Bengali: ইস্টবেঙ্গলে ফেরার প্রশ্নই নেই, জল্পনায় জল ঢালল শ্রী সিমেন্ট
Concerns among supporters have increased further due to uncertainty over the future role of current investor Emami Group. Amid that situation, fresh speculation recently emerged linking former investor Shree Cement with a possible return to the club.
Rumours Began After Meeting Reports
The speculation gained momentum after reports claimed that senior East Bengal official Debabrata Sarkar had visited the office of Shree Cement for a meeting.
Soon after, social media was flooded with discussions suggesting that the company, which had previously invested heavily in the club, could once again become associated with East Bengal.
The rumours created excitement among a section of supporters hoping for fresh financial stability ahead of the new season.
Harimohan Bangur Rejects Claims
However, Shree Cement chairman Harimohan Bangur has now firmly dismissed all such speculation.
He clearly stated that the company has no plans to return to East Bengal in any capacity. According to him, the reports regarding a renewed association between the club and Shree Cement are completely baseless.
Bangur explained that many people visit the company’s office for different reasons, but such meetings should not automatically be linked to investment decisions or partnership discussions.
Shree Cement has also clarified that there is currently no possibility of rebuilding ties with East Bengal.
Previous Relationship Ended on Bitter Terms
The history between East Bengal and Shree Cement was far from smooth.
Although the partnership initially helped East Bengal enter the Indian Super League structure, disagreements between both parties soon became public.
Club officials had repeatedly alleged that Shree Cement was attempting to exercise excessive control over club affairs. At the same time, differences reportedly emerged regarding several administrative and operational matters.
Eventually, the relationship collapsed, and both sides decided to part ways.
As a result, the recent rumours of a reunion briefly raised hopes among supporters before being quickly shut down by the company’s latest statement.
Emami’s Future Still Unclear
Meanwhile, uncertainty over Emami’s future involvement with East Bengal continues.
Sources suggest that the investor is unwilling to take any major long-term decision until there is greater clarity regarding the structure of Indian football, the ISL calendar and future competition formats.
Reports also indicate that recent meetings between club officials and the investor group failed to produce any final resolution.
Search for Alternatives Underway?
Amid the uncertainty, reports claim that East Bengal has quietly started exploring alternative investment options as a precautionary measure.
Although no official statement has been made regarding potential new investors, sources suggest that informal communication with multiple companies may already be underway.
With the new season approaching, East Bengal’s biggest challenge now appears to be ensuring long-term administrative and financial stability alongside maintaining their recent success on the pitch.
