Quess East Bengal in talks to play in Super Cup

The Red and Gold Brigade's participation will severely weaken the hand of other agitating teams who have withdrawn from the tournament.

In a recent turn of events, I-League giants Quess East Bengal have reportedly decided to participate in the Super Cup. The decision comes as the club is reported to have gone against their sponsors Quess Corp, who were of the opinion to stay with other  I-League clubs, who are revolting againt what they claim to be unfair treatment from the AIFF.

Quess joined hands with East Bengal before this season and provided much-needed financial backing. As the I-League finished, East Bengal along with Minerva Punjab, Gokulam Kerala, recently crowned champions Chennai City, Aizawl FC, NEROCA FC and Mohun Bagan decided not TO participate in the tournament citing 'unfair treatment.'

However, the club's senior officials have had a difference in opinion with Quess. According to them, the majority stakeholders of Quess East Bengal FC Pvt. Ltd. have not been consulting club officials in their decisions lately.

“The meeting was convened to discuss and consider the overwhelming support we have received from our fans and well-wishers to participate in the two tournaments (Super Cup and the next season of ISL). There are four directors from East Bengal Club in the QEBFC board and we have been kept in the dark about the decision taken by our investor,” said one of the QEBFC directors and a senior functionary of East Bengal club Debabrata Sarkar to Sport Star.

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“We will convey our decision in writing to the chairman (Ajit Isaac) of QEBFC board and hope that he convenes a meeting within 48 hours to hear the plea of fans and members," he added.

A decision in favour of playing in the tournament will severely weaken the rest of the clubs who have decided to not participate in the Super Cup this season. Also, if East Bengal participate in the event, arch-rivals Mohun Bagan are also likely to follow suit.

The movement began when Minvera Punjab's owner Ranjit Bajaj gathered the support of the clubs, but it was only later that East Bengal and Mohun Bagan joined the cause.