Indian football: East Bengal could face relegation if they pull out of Calcutta Football League

Heavyweights SC East Bengal, who are engaged in a tussle with their investors Shree Cements over the transfer of sporting rights, may face relegation if they pull out of the Calcutta Football League Premier Division, the state football body Indian Football Association said on Monday.

With “no clarity” about SC East Bengal’s participation in the 14-team tournament slated to begin in August third week, IFA secretary Joydeep Mukherjee said as per the rulebook the red-and-gold brigade would be relegated to the lower division.

“We want football to resume, many players, officials are affected (by the pandemic). We don’t want to deprive any club and for one club CFL won’t stop,” Mukherjee told reporters after a meeting with club representatives where SCEB did not come, citing “personal inconvenience”.

It has been learnt that the club was given a seven-day notice to clear the air.

“Initially, we had decided to stop relegation but if competitions happen in all divisions, then there will be a relegation and the team which pulls out will be relegated to the lower division. It will be a big blow and there are chances that SCEB will face relegation.”

Representatives of 13 teams were present at the meeting.

“They (SCEB) have not yet specified that they’re not playing. We have…

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