Exclusive: Atletico Madrid consider parting ways with Jamshedpur FC

The global coronavirus pandemic is likely to be one of the major reasons behind the LaLiga club's decision.

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are considering terminating their partnership with Jamshedpur FC in September, 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis, Khel Now understands. The agreement between the two entities was initially supposed to last until the end of the 2020-21 Indian Super League season. However, the outbreak of the pandemic coupled with other factors might lead the Spanish giants to pull the plug on the deal in the coming months itself.

There is another indication of the move materializing. Carlos Santimarina, the head coach of the ‘Tata Atletico Football Academia’, has left India for his native country and is unlikely to return back due to the ongoing situation. Santimarina was immensely involved in the youth coaching setup in Spain, before he was roped in to lead the academy in March, 2019. His departure from India signals the fact that the two clubs could be parting ways soon.

For the uninitiated, the Los Rojiblancos had begun a collaborated venture with Jamshedpur FC from November 21, 2018. This understanding between the two clubs was for Atletico Madrid to provide technical support and partnership in academy and club operations to the ‘Men of Steel’. However, the COVID-19 crisis has struck a major blow to businesses across the world. Hence, financial constraints could be a possible reason behind the decision.

Infact, this partnership with Jamshedpur FC was Atletico Madrid’s second such foray into Indian football. They had co-owned the West Bengal-based ATK for the first three seasons of the ISL. Indeed, they are one of the notable European clubs to have shown an active interest in the league ever since its inception. Hence, their possible separation from Jamshedpur FC appears to be quite surprising. Under Antonio Iriondo’s tutelage, the team had finished in the eighth spot in the league table in 2019-20. They are also in search of a new head coach ahead of the new season.

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