FSDL announce inclusion of East Bengal in Indian Super League

The Kolkata-based club will be the eleventh team in the Indian top flight.

The founder and chairperson of Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) Nita Ambani announced the expansion of Indian Super League by welcoming East Bengal FC into the seventh edition of the tournament.

Following Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation acquisition of majority stake in East Bengal Club and their successful bid, the club will embark on its maiden ISL journey as the eleventh team in the competition.

Nita Ambani said, "It is such a happy and proud moment for ISL as we welcome another Kolkata-based club and their millions of fans into the League. The inclusion of both legacy clubs, i.e. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan (now ATK Mohun Bagan) opens limitless possibilities for Indian football, especially for talent development in the state."

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"West Bengal has made an immense contribution to the growth of the beautiful game in India. ISL’s growing footprint in the state and across India, is yet another step towards our mission of building a competitive and robust football ecosystem in the country," she concluded.

The arch rivals of the Red and Gold Brigade, Mohun Bagan had earlier merged with Kolkata-based outfit ATK to create a new entity called ATK Mohun Bagan FC, who will be participating in the league in the 2020-21 season. Meanwhile, East Bengal are yet to appoint their head coach as well as their overseas signing for the upcoming season.