The investor-club member model for Kolkata clubs is terrible. At the same time, this is what keeps them going. None of the clubs have big businessmen backers like the newer clubs. Therefore, they have to turn to sponsors and investors. One thing to keep in mind, the clubs show up with the biggest pockets just because they can play the groups backing them the way they wish. Btw, on the twitter handle issue, the club had nothing to do. The username had to be changed and the old username got claimed by someone, what can the club do in such situation?
They could have gone for a public setup instead of this investor model. But it will take time and there should be transperency. And there is no guarantee that some people can stick to the power for long and they can pass it onto their next Gen. But as long as fans care about "beating the rival" only nothing is gonna change.
Problem with public setup is funding. The clubs did have a public setup till the late 90s (arguably, even longer). Problem was, by the 90s money had started to dry up and they had to get investors in. It isn't just the Big Two. Practically nearly all major clubs over the globe except Barca and Real are indeed controlled by investors. And they can generate a lot of money through various sources. In India though, no club has sustained itself by remaining in public domain. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan did it successfully for a lot of years (in fact, even under UB, they changed names but retained the members' control), Mohammedan did it unsuccessfully till this year- that's where the list ends. No other club ever managed to remain relevant while not surrendering to an investor.
Can't compare clubs from first world economies with third world economies. Football needs money, big money, Barca and RM are exceptions and not norms. Also they are in huge debts.
Most of the IFA registered Kolkata clubs are small sporting blocks. Their existence is not confined to football only. They play various sports and try to compete in the state leagues. The basic structure of the clubs are democratic or election based. Where members of the clubs, elect the executive committee, which takes care of the day to day management of the club and it's sporting affairs. This democratic Constitution of the maidn clubs is the fundamental backbone of their existence. This is how they are surviving for more than a century and this is how they are going to survive for centuries to come. Investor/sponsor may come n go, but these clubs will always be standing tall and serving indian sports communities. (PS: Just imagine if tomorrow reliance decides to disband their brand ISL, will the existing franchises exist afterwards or continue to invest/serve indian football! No na... But you can always be assured, whatever the situation may be Kolkata member based clubs will still hold onto their ground and strive as always. I'm not holding anything against anyone. I guess most of our forum members are very naive about the club culture in Kolkata, so felt this lecture was really necessary. Cheers guys)
What about clubs from Brazil ..?? Which is almost similiar to India in terms of economy..!! I know football is the primary sport in Brazil but not in india. I respect the club culture in Kolkata. But the problem they don't try to think above beating the rival. Yes I know only these clubs will remain if the reliance packs their bags. But they will only exist where they should be doing more than that. I am almost sure that even after all this mess the present officials will win the next election for bringing in investors and getting them to ISL. The same for MB too..!!!
Apart from EB, MB and MSC, no club has any fan following in Bengal. Why would sponsors would be interested? You need to understand Bengal and Bengali society to figure why other clubs doesn't have any fan following. ATK wasn't stupid to buy majority of Mohun Bagan's shares, they wanted that fanbase. The same reason, they were interested in EB earlier as well. ATK very well knew soon, the clubs will find an investor, enter ISL and that will be that for ATK.
IMO East Bengal can have atleast a functional side if Brandon, Milan and Vineeth end up in Goa. Also, sign someone like Diawara or Plaza. For heaven's sake, don't start with 6 foreigners and no decent CF.
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Btw, on the twitter handle issue, the club had nothing to do. The username had to be changed and the old username got claimed by someone, what can the club do in such situation?
This democratic Constitution of the maidn clubs is the fundamental backbone of their existence. This is how they are surviving for more than a century and this is how they are going to survive for centuries to come. Investor/sponsor may come n go, but these clubs will always be standing tall and serving indian sports communities.
(PS: Just imagine if tomorrow reliance decides to disband their brand ISL, will the existing franchises exist afterwards or continue to invest/serve indian football! No na... But you can always be assured, whatever the situation may be Kolkata member based clubs will still hold onto their ground and strive as always. I'm not holding anything against anyone. I guess most of our forum members are very naive about the club culture in Kolkata, so felt this lecture was really necessary. Cheers guys)
I am almost sure that even after all this mess the present officials will win the next election for bringing in investors and getting them to ISL. The same for MB too..!!!
Hence the select few who is there in the name of electrician,plumbers, constructors arm twist these iconic brands(clubs) - which is a SHAME.
VOTE FOR THE MIDFIELD GENERAL OF EAST BENGAL