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.

Read Bengali: ইস্টবেঙ্গলে কি ফিরছে শ্রী সিমেন্ট? নতুন জল্পনায় সরগরম ময়দান

Speculation is mounting over a possible return of former investor Shree Cement to the Red-and-Gold brigade.

Viral Photo Fuels Rumours

The latest round of speculation began on Wednesday after reports emerged that senior East Bengal official Debabrata Sarkar had visited the office of Shree Cement for a meeting.

Soon after, a photograph showing him outside the company’s office went viral on social media. The image immediately triggered discussions among supporters and football observers, many believing that talks may have started regarding a possible reunion between East Bengal and Shree Cement.

Debabrata Sarkar Responds

However, later in the evening, Debabrata Sarkar attempted to downplay the rumours while speaking at the East Bengal club tent.

He stated that the current situation in Indian football remains too uncertain for any concrete comments regarding investors or future partnerships.

According to him, there is still no complete clarity regarding the structure of the upcoming Indian football season or the official calendar from the federation. Because of that, he suggested that no final conclusion should be drawn at this stage regarding the investor issue.

Shree Cement’s Previous Role at East Bengal

A few years ago, Shree Cement played a crucial role in helping East Bengal enter the professional football structure and participate in the Indian Super League.

Initially, the partnership was seen as a major step forward for the club. However, over time, differences between the club and the investor became increasingly visible.

Administrative disagreements and policy-related conflicts reportedly created tension between both sides. Sections of the club administration accused the investors of trying to exert excessive control over club affairs, while the company also expressed dissatisfaction regarding several operational matters.

Decline in Relationship and Exit

At the same time, East Bengal’s on-field performances failed to meet expectations, further worsening the relationship between the two parties.

Eventually, Shree Cement decided to part ways with the club. Following that exit, Emami Group came on board as the club’s new investor and helped rebuild the squad and football operations.

Under Emami’s backing, East Bengal achieved significant progress in recent seasons and even secured their first-ever ISL title.

Future Still Unclear

Despite that success, uncertainty regarding Emami’s future role has once again brought Shree Cement’s name back into the spotlight.

At present, however, there is no official confirmation regarding any ongoing negotiations or formal discussions between East Bengal and Shree Cement.

For now, the speculation continues, but supporters may have to wait longer before getting a clear picture about the future investment structure of the historic Kolkata club.