Report: AIFF allows East Bengal time till 31st July to acquire club license

The club faces a risk of missing out on AIFF and AFC competitions in the 2020-21 season.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has extended the club licensing process by a week for Kolkata football giants East Bengal. Accordingly, the club will now have to complete all the formalities by 31st of January.

This comes after the club's management requested for more time due to ongoing crisis and the apex governing body of the football in the country has truly obliged. The AIFF, on July 14, distributed the club licensing application pack (CLAP) to all the clubs who are eligible to undergo the Indian club licensing process for the 2020-21 season.

Taking that into consideration, the outfits will have to confirm their intention to undergo the process for the 2020-21 season by submitting the signed copy of the Club Licensing Agreement on or before July 24, 2020, an AIFF statement said. But, an exception has been made for East Bengal. According to IANS, AIFF General Secretary, Kushal Das, confirmed this exception saying, "Yes, upto 31st July as requested by them."

East Bengal had signed a three-year contract with Bengaluru-based Quess Corp, where the latter had acquired 70% shares of the football club. However, Quess exited on 31st May earlier this year due to disagreements between the two parties.

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The change in ownership structure, however, has not been informed yet to the AIFF. It is understood that Quess Corp, who still have the sporting rights of the club, are asking for compensation from East Bengal.

After the AIFF sent the CLAP to all clubs, East Bengal risked missing out of AIFF and AFC competitions if it did not act by July 24 on the matter. According to IANS, Quess Corp is waiting on a response from East Bengal after sending a draft of agreement in terms of its conclusion. They have the option of selling the company's equities to a third party, if there is such a need. The proposed draft of termination has been sent back by the club to Quess Corp for further formalities.