বাংলায় পড়ুন: মহামেডান স্পোর্টিং ক্লাবের দায়িত্বে এসে কী বললেন হুমায়ুন কবীর?

A day earlier, former president Amiruddin Bobby had stepped down from his role, making way for fresh leadership at the iconic Red Road club. On Friday afternoon, Humayun Kabir arrived at the club tent, where he was formally welcomed following a committee meeting. Club officials felicitated the newly appointed president with flowers and a customised jersey, while supporters gathered with hopes of a brighter future for the Black-and-White Brigade.

Speaking to the media after assuming office, Humayun Kabir admitted that the club is currently facing serious financial difficulties but assured supporters that efforts are already underway to stabilise the situation.

“We are trying to solve the financial problems. The supporters need to give us some time and remain patient. We are fully committed to preserving the tradition and heritage of this club,” he said.

The new president also addressed concerns regarding political influence in football administration. Since Humayun Kabir is an active political figure and current MLA, questions were raised about whether politics would impact the functioning of the club. Responding to the issue, he made it clear that Mohammedan Sporting’s football matters would remain separate from politics.

“It is easy to say these things, but much harder to implement. Kalyan Chaubey is the president of the AIFF and was earlier associated with politics. I am also a member of the current Legislative Assembly. But I can assure everyone that there will be no political discussion inside the club,” he stated.

Supporters are now hoping that the arrival of the new president will help the club recover from its ongoing crisis and rebuild for the upcoming season. According to reports, Mohammedan Sporting currently carries a debt close to ₹14 crore, making the situation extremely challenging for the management.

Apart from clearing pending salaries of footballers and staff, the club also faces the difficult task of building a competitive squad for the new season. However, fans believe that under Humayun Kabir’s leadership, the club may finally begin its journey back toward stability and success.

Read Bengali: মহামেডানে বড় বদল, নতুন সভাপতি হিসেবে আসছেন হুমায়ুন কবীর

An official announcement regarding the new president and secretary could be made on Friday. The administrative reshuffle is being viewed as a significant step, especially after the club’s prolonged financial struggles and disappointing on-field performances in recent times.

Financial Crisis Hit Mohammedan Hard

Mohammedan Sporting faced severe financial difficulties throughout last season. Due to a lack of adequate funds, the club had to compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) without foreign footballers, a situation that heavily affected team performance.

The club failed to meet expectations on the field and eventually suffered relegation. Following the disappointing campaign, frustration among members and supporters continued to grow, with protests against the existing management becoming a regular occurrence.

Demand for Change Within the Club

As pressure increased, calls for administrative change became stronger inside the club. Reports suggest that the current officials have now decided to step aside and allow new leadership to take over.

Current president Amiruddin Bobby is expected to be replaced by Humayun Kabir. After assuming office, Kabir will also have the authority to appoint the club’s new secretary.

Wasim Akram’s Name in Discussion

Several names are already being discussed for the secretary’s position. One of the prominent names is Wasim Akram, who has previous administrative experience with the club.

Club insiders believe he could play an important role in the new management structure if appointed.

Investor Search a Key Priority

A few weeks ago, Mohammedan Sporting officials had reportedly approached Humayun Kabir to help identify suitable investors for the club. The move was aimed at overcoming the club’s financial crisis and creating a stable long-term roadmap.

Kabir had assured club officials that he would make every effort to bring in investment and improve the club’s financial condition.

Humayun Kabir’s Political Background

Humayun Kabir has also remained in political discussions in recent months. Ahead of the Assembly elections, he was expelled from Mamata Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress and later launched his own political outfit, the “Aam Janata Unnayan Party.”

He further strengthened his political presence by winning from two Assembly constituencies during the elections.

Supporters Hope for Revival

Mohammedan supporters are now hopeful that the new leadership can help restore financial stability and bring the club back to competitiveness at the national level.

Fans believe that with proper planning, stronger administration and financial backing, the Black-and-White brigade can once again emerge as one of India’s top football clubs.

With the new football season approaching, this proposed administrative overhaul has already created fresh optimism around the club and its future direction.

Punjab FC registered a commanding 3–0 victory over Mohammedan SC in their Group C encounter of the AIFF Indian Super Cup 2025 at the GMC Athletic Stadium. This was Punjab’s second consecutive win, taking them to six points from two matches and moving them a step closer to the semifinals. The goals came from Ninthoinganba Meetei, Samir Zeljkovic, and Manglenthang Kipgen.

Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made just one change to Punjab’s starting lineup, bringing in Spanish midfielder Dani Ramirez in place of Princeton Rebello, who had scored in the previous game. Mohammedan SC’s coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo fielded an unchanged eleven from their last outing, where they lost to Bengaluru FC.

The first major chance fell to Mohammedan’s Bijoy Varghese, whose header from a corner went narrowly wide. Soon after, goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee produced a fine save to deny Ninthoi.

Sudip–Shakir’s brilliance takes Bengal to 336, yet worries remain!

Punjab’s attacking quartet of Dani Ramirez, Kipgen, Ninthoi, and Muhammad Suhail constantly troubled the Mohammedan defence. Their fluid combination play led to the opener in the 27th minute — Kipgen’s precise through ball found Ninthoi making a clever run, and the winger calmly slotted past the advancing goalkeeper.

The pressure continued, and Punjab doubled their lead just before halftime. Right-back Khaiminthang Lhungdim delivered a deep cross that Ninthoi headed back across goal, where new signing Samir Zeljkovic was waiting unmarked. His left-footed shot may not have been perfectly struck, but it had enough power to find the bottom corner.

Punjab controlled the tempo after the break, dominating possession and creating chances. Mohammedan, meanwhile, struggled to threaten, with Yash Chickro’s long-range effort being their closest attempt.

In the 72nd minute, substitute Leon Augustine set up Kipgen inside the box, and the forward calmly finished to make it 3–0. Punjab continued to press for more, with new signing Nsungusi Effiong creating opportunities but failing to convert. Mohammedan managed their first shot on target only in stoppage time, which goalkeeper Muheet Shabir dealt with comfortably.

With this convincing win, Punjab FC recorded their second straight victory. They will face Bengaluru FC in their final group game on November 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda — a match likely to decide the Group C winners.