Mohammedan Sporting, one of India’s oldest football clubs, made history last Friday by clinching their first-ever I-League title, securing a promotion to the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL). The club, which is 133 years old, achieved this feat by defeating Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in an away game, thus earning a spot in the coveted ISL with a game to spare, pending the fulfillment of the stringent Indian Club Licensing System Premier 1 criteria.
Dipendu Biswas, the former Indian striker and current technical director of Mohammedan Sporting, expressed his confidence in meeting all the necessary licensing requirements set by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Football Sports Development Ltd. (FSDL), which governs the ISL. He assured that the club is prepared to fulfill all criteria, including the Rs 100 crore bank guarantee clause.
Furthermore, Dipendu affirmed that Mohammedan Sporting plans to make Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) their home ground in the ISL, citing the club’s substantial fan base comparable to other Kolkata giants like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, who also utilize the stadium as their home base. Despite potential concerns raised in media reports about accommodating another team at the stadium, Dipendu emphasized the club’s significant supporter base and their intention to make Yuba Bharati Krirangan their home ground.
In an effort to showcase their strong fan following, Mohammedan Sporting will host their final I-League match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan on April 13, expecting over 60,000 spectators to attend. Dipendu, who has had stints with various Kolkata clubs during his playing career, highlighted the stadium’s suitability based on the FSDL criteria as opposed to other venues in the region.
As Mohammedan Sporting prepares to embark on their ISL journey, the club’s achievements reflect a significant milestone in their illustrious history, marking a new chapter in Indian football. With the passion and support of their dedicated fans, Mohammedan Sporting is poised to make a memorable entry into the Indian Super League, adding depth and competitiveness to the already vibrant football landscape in the country.
