ATK-Mohun Bagan Merger: 7 essential facts you must know

The move has clearly launched unprecedented shock-waves within the Indian footballing community.

Some call it the end of an era while the rest have it branded as the start of a new chapter; whichever way you look at it, there’s no denying that it’s a decision that has launched unprecedented shockwaves within the Indian footballing community. The owners of Indian Super League high-flyers ATK purchased majority shares in one of India’s most historic football clubs - Mohun Bagan. There are people out there who still can’t believe what is happening, but irrespective of the polar feelings of a split fan base, the reality is that the merger is already in progress. While one division argues the financial backing that the RPSG Group can offer is what the club needs to step into the next level, the other ponders over the club’s 130 year old history and cultural heritage. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Here are seven things you need to know about the merger:

1. Nomenclature

The newly-formed team is said to surely have a good blend of the two teams in question. As much as the Mariners’ fans wouldn’t want too many changes, they’re going to have to get used to being known as ‘ATK-Mohun Bagan’. RPSG Chairman Sanjiv Goenka even ensured the supporters that identities of both the clubs would surely remain intact.

2. The Acquisition

RPSG Group, the company that own ISL giants ATK, have acquired 80% shares in Mohun Bagan AC, with the club’s holding company left with 20% minority. Although the figures might come as a hard watch for Mariners fans, the added financial support could be a step in the right direction. Furthermore, company chairman Sanjiv Goenka clarified that they wished to welcome Mohun Bagan into the RPSG family. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

3. The Historic Link

Further, what could’ve been a volatile reaction from the Mohun Bagan supporters, the RPSG group actually has an old connection to the West Bengal-based football club. Sanjiv Goenka conveyed how honoured he was to acquire Mohun Bagan, especially considering that his father, late Shri RP Goenka, was actually a member of the club's board.

4. The Fusion

Even with the merger and the purchase of majority shares by the RPSG Group now complete, the clubs are going to be allowed to finish their respective league campaigns before they become one entity over the summer. The 1st of June is the date when the new club will be formed. And it has been confirmed that ATK-Mohun Bagan will play in the ISL next year.

5. The Financials

Mohun Bagan President Swapan Sadhan Bose has earlier hinted that the new club could have a transfer budget in the region of 40 crores to start next season. That said though, the lack in clarity about which players will be retained and which ones let go makes things a lot more difficult for Mariners fans to enjoy.

6. Footballing Link

Another bright point for Mohun Bagan fans will be the fact that ATK’s head of youth development Sanjoy Sen was the last head coach to deliver the I-League trophy for the Mariners. Working with the 59-year-old is something that some of the staff at the club and the fans alike will be relishing and could come as a boon to the new entity. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

7. The Winning Combination

Since the Indian Super League’s formation a few years ago, it can be argued that ATK have been the most successful side in it’s history. With two titles to their name, the fans pride themselves on the club’s success in India’s premier club competition. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, are unquestionably India’s greatest ever club and are similar in the fact that they’re the best in their own league. It will be the fusion of two of the biggest teams in Indian football - the I-League’s most historically successful club, and the Indian Super League’s new-age superclub. A new era awaits ATK Mohun Bagan and how they manoeuvre the Indian Super League next season will be an enticing watch for all the fans of Indian football.