Subsequent to the imminent decision by I-League clubs and the All India Football Federation to be made on the fate of the remaining part of the I-league 2019-20 season, second-placed East Bengal has stated its readiness to agree to the voiding and cancelation of the 2019-20 season.
The coronavirus pandemic has left football in India, and the world suspended, and with the lockdown in the country still on, the I-league continues to look difficult to compete after being suspended in March.
Sixteen match days have been played in the I-League with Mohun Bagan leading with an unassailable Sixteen points with just four matches left.
East Bengal has stated to the AIFF about their openness to voiding the season without a winner.
It is also learned that a large number of the teams in the league have agreed to award the league to Mohun Bagan without relegation or promotion.
Meanwhile, East Bengal, who are Mohun Bagan’s arch-rivals have contacted the all India Football Federation about their agreement in letting the league be voided and prize money shared equally among teams.
“If they (clubs and federation) do not want to continue, then what can we do alone. If the tournament is abandoned, then it has no existence,” East Bengal Club official Debabrata Sarkar was quoted on Goal.
While East Bengal agrees on voiding the league, they want it done without naming a league champion.
Debabrata Sarkar stated that should Mohun Bagan be named Champions of the I-League, East Bengal claims the second place.
“If they are declaring the champion (based) on the current status, then they can do it. I have no problem, but at the same time, we must also be declared as runners-up.” Debabrata Sarkar said further on Goal
East Bengal has 23 points gathered from 16 matches played, but they are leveled on point with Punjab, only leading them with goals difference.
Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu