‘AIFF is only running after money, heritage holds no value’

Mumbai: Football in Kolkata is what cricket is to the nation. Traffic congestion, stampede during matches, fans following team and players to their hotel, clubs have been normal. Hence, the message of Mohammedan Sporting – a 123-year-old club in the city – closing down turned the Maidan cordon into a graveyard.

The daily passengers – who use the ferry to go Howrah side (beyond the city's parameters) – usually indulge in a game of football with the kids outside the club premises but nobody was around on Sunday.

“There were not many on the road to even enquire whether it is true. People still cannot believe it or they are scared to face the truth. It is like Arsenal shutting doors,” said Raju Naskar, a flower seller at Esplanade area, close to the club’s base. Yes, he is aware of English Premier League. Being a football lover, he frequents Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) and has been following Mohammedan since late 80s.

“Maanush maarar moton byapar toh, teen bhaai er modhye ek bhaai aar nei (it is like killing one brother among three),” he added. Along with Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, it formed the big three.

Not many are aware that Mohammedan (founded in 1891) is older than Fifa, set up in 1904.

Decision to shut down:

So what exactly happened at the meeting which made the club officials take this decision? “For the last four years, we have been chasing sponsors with everyone turning a blind eye. It is unfortunate that a successful club, having history behind, had to beg for its survival. Be it the corporate sector or others, none stood by us. Surprisingly, we have a huge fan base across India and we do not have funds,” said Ishtiaq Ahmed Raju, Assistant General Secretary of the club.

In 1941, Mohammedan had broken the British monopoly, winning the Durand Cup, which, they last won in 2013.

“We even won IFA Shield in 2013 but who cares? Nobody bothers, not even the All India Football Federation (AIFF). In fact, they tactfully threw us out of I-League, we were relegated this year. AIFF is only running after money, heritage holds no value to them,” added Raju.

The club, owing to their anti-alcohol stance, decided not to take any liquor sponsor, unlike East Bengal (Kingfisher) and Mohun Bagan (McDowell’s).

Club pushing players for ISL:

As of now, the authorities are busy settling accounts with the players and pushing few of them for Indian Super League (ISL) teams.

“We’ve paid some players whom we signed beginning of the year. We are trying to negotiate with some of them as well. From my side, I am pushing our players to go for ISL. Personally, I sent Imran Khan (a Mohammedan player) on Tuesday to meet officials of an ISL team so that his career is not washed out,” said Raju, adding: “We will be the happiest if our players shine in ISL. We will go out of our way to help them.”

Club activities:

However, it's not curtains yet for all other activities of the club. The first division cricket under CAB, state meet will take its regular course.

“In fact, we are also going to participate in the Under-19 IFA Shield,” said Raju.

Therefore, it can be called a temporary shut down.

“If we can gather funds, we will again try to make a team next year,” promised Raju.

Veteran speaks:

Former India footballer IM Vijayan, who played against the club and saw its performance from close quarters, said he is deeply affected.

“It is similar to what happened to FC Kochin (Kerala’s first professional football club which fizzled out due to lack of money). If you cannot keep players, the club is bound to suffer. They have a name for themselves. It hurts me when I look back at the times I spent in Kolkata. It is a part of the city’s history,” said Vijayan, who believes ISL is a fantastic start to Indian football in the new generation.

“Thanks to the event, the players can at least earn some money for two-three months. I don’t know why some are seeing it as a threat,” added the 45-year-old, who donned India colours from 1989-2004.

Nonetheless, the veteran glorified Kolkata’s football culture and said: “What happened to FC Kochin should not happen to Kolkata’s clubs. Not only Mohammedan, even Mohun Bagan and others are under stress but they should battle it out. They should not let the sport down in the city of joy.”