The future of Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohammedan Sporting is in jeopardy as its investors, Shrachi Sports and Bunkerhill, have officially pulled up the release of funds.
The impasse stemmed from the club’s failure to transfer the promised 61 per cent shares to the investors, alleged Shrachi Sports, leading to a legal tussle.
On Tuesday, Shrachi Sports announced that it could no longer fund Mohammedan Sporting due to the club’s ongoing legal tussle with Bunkerhill, a Gurgaon-based sports management company.
Bunkerhill had sued the club last month, accusing Mohammedan Sporting of not fulfilling its commitment to issue shares.
This development cast doubt on Mohammedan Sporting’s ability to continue its ISL campaign midway through the season.
Shrachi Sports, a venture of the Kolkata-based Shrachi Group, joined as a joint investor of the club in August 2024, holding a 30.5 per cent stake alongside Bunkerhill. Mohammedan Sporting retained the remaining shares in the century-old club.
Players’ grievances
The latest development unfolded a week after players staged a protest and boycotted training on the eve of their ISL clash against Chennaiyin FC, alleging, as reported by The Bridge, that they had not been paid their salaries for over three months.
Training resumed only after club president Amiruddin Bobby assured the players that their grievances would be addressed.
Despite the turmoil, Mohammedan Sporting managed a 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC. The team is now scheduled to play Mumbai City FC on January 26, but the impasse continues. On Monday, coach Andrey Chernyshov convened the first training session since the Chennaiyin FC match. However, apart from the club's five Santosh Trophy-winning players, including Robi Hansda, the majority of the team boycotted the session. Shrachi’s MoU with Mohammedan Sporting expires!
In a press statement, Shrachi Sports expressed frustration over the impasse, stating: “Since investing into the Mohammedan Sporting, our primary focus has been to take care of our players and attain excellence and create impact in the ISL.”
Shrachi also said it has already spent more than 50 per cent of its committed funds but is no longer obligated to provide further funds since its original Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the club has expired.
“We are now caught in a crossfire between the club and the original investors, Bunkerhill, who have sent a legal notice to the club last month. We have already spent more than 50 per cent of our committed investment into the Mohammedan Sporting Club Pvt. Ltd. with the sole motive of making a team that is competitive and can repay the faith of our fans. But now with the club in the middle of a legal impasse with Bunkerhill, our hands are tied,” the statement read.
Shrachi further alleged that Mohammedan Sporting’s management had not issued them any shares, despite repeated promises.
“Also, the original MoU that we had signed with the club has now expired. Second, we too have not been issued any shares by the club despite repeated promises to do so. Bunkerhill, despite investing into the club for the last three years, has not been issued any shares either and has now sent the said notice while putting on hold all further infusion of funds until shares are issued,” the group added.
Expressing concern for the players and fans, Shrachi Sports stated: “Clearly, we are caught in this crossfire and while we do not ever want our players and fans to suffer, there is very little we can do under these circumstances, until these issues are amicably sorted out.”
“We are trying to work with the club and Bunkerhill to resolve these at the earliest, allowing us to continue with all our activities as normal,” the group added.
The future of Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohammedan Sporting is in jeopardy as its investors, Shrachi Sports and Bunkerhill, have officially pulled up the release of funds.
The impasse stemmed from the club’s failure to transfer the promised 61 per cent shares to the investors, alleged Shrachi Sports, leading to a legal tussle.
On Tuesday, Shrachi Sports announced that it could no longer fund Mohammedan Sporting due to the club’s ongoing legal tussle with Bunkerhill, a Gurgaon-based sports management company.
Bunkerhill had sued the club last month, accusing Mohammedan Sporting of not fulfilling its commitment to issue shares.
This development cast doubt on Mohammedan Sporting’s ability to continue its ISL campaign midway through the season.
Shrachi Sports, a venture of the Kolkata-based Shrachi Group, joined as a joint investor of the club in August 2024, holding a 30.5 per cent stake alongside Bunkerhill. Mohammedan Sporting retained the remaining shares in the century-old club.
Players’ grievances
The latest development unfolded a week after players staged a protest and boycotted training on the eve of their ISL clash against Chennaiyin FC, alleging, as reported by The Bridge, that they had not been paid their salaries for over three months.
Training resumed only after club president Amiruddin Bobby assured the players that their grievances would be addressed.
Despite the turmoil, Mohammedan Sporting managed a 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC. The team is now scheduled to play Mumbai City FC on January 26, but the impasse continues. On Monday, coach Andrey Chernyshov convened the first training session since the Chennaiyin FC match. However, apart from the club's five Santosh Trophy-winning players, including Robi Hansda, the majority of the team boycotted the session. Shrachi’s MoU with Mohammedan Sporting expires!
In a press statement, Shrachi Sports expressed frustration over the impasse, stating: “Since investing into the Mohammedan Sporting, our primary focus has been to take care of our players and attain excellence and create impact in the ISL.”
Shrachi also said it has already spent more than 50 per cent of its committed funds but is no longer obligated to provide further funds since its original Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the club has expired.
“We are now caught in a crossfire between the club and the original investors, Bunkerhill, who have sent a legal notice to the club last month. We have already spent more than 50 per cent of our committed investment into the Mohammedan Sporting Club Pvt. Ltd. with the sole motive of making a team that is competitive and can repay the faith of our fans. But now with the club in the middle of a legal impasse with Bunkerhill, our hands are tied,” the statement read.
Shrachi further alleged that Mohammedan Sporting’s management had not issued them any shares, despite repeated promises.
“Also, the original MoU that we had signed with the club has now expired. Second, we too have not been issued any shares by the club despite repeated promises to do so. Bunkerhill, despite investing into the club for the last three years, has not been issued any shares either and has now sent the said notice while putting on hold all further infusion of funds until shares are issued,” the group added.
Expressing concern for the players and fans, Shrachi Sports stated: “Clearly, we are caught in this crossfire and while we do not ever want our players and fans to suffer, there is very little we can do under these circumstances, until these issues are amicably sorted out.”
“We are trying to work with the club and Bunkerhill to resolve these at the earliest, allowing us to continue with all our activities as normal,” the group added.
Mohammedan Sporting risks ISL expulsion over breach of FSDL agreement
Mohammedan Sporting risks expulsion from the Indian Super League (ISL) for its failure to meet the league’s financial requirements, according to a letter sent to the Kolkata outfit by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
After gaining promotion to the ISL last year, Black Panthers finished at the bottom of the table with 13 points from 24 games.
In a letter to the club, FSDL stated that, “In relation to your failure to furnish the Bank Guarantee as required under the Participation Agreement, and the delay in executing the required definitive share subscription & shareholders agreement (SSSHA), we have recently received a communication dated 2nd April 2025 from Shrachi Sports, indicating their withdrawal due to differences with both MSCPL and BPL.
“We repeat that, financial stability is one of the fundamental requirements for participation in the ISL, and the imminent withdrawal of your key investor raises serious concerns about the club’s ability to meet the operational expenses for running the Team.”
Mohammedan Sporting has been in financial turmoil throughout the 2024-25 season, with its head coach Andrey Chernyshov terminating his contract mid-season.
The side remained in choppy water both on and off the field as differences grew between the club management and investors, BunkerHill Private Limited – Mohammedan Sporting’s principal investor since 2020 – and Shrachi.
The letter also added, “It is disturbing that MSCPL failed to disclose any ongoing differences with Shrachi Sports during its active playing phase of the ISL, and this has come to light only after your team has failed to qualify for the playoffs. In the absence of transparency and timely disclosures, we are left to question whether this information was intentionally withheld till now since it would no longer affect your Team’s participation this season.”
FSDL has given the club seven days to lay out a contingency plan in writing wherein it secures a replacement sponsor within 30 days and a statement on its outstanding dues for the 2024-25 season.
“Failure to meet these demands will leave us with no option but to consider further actions, including termination of your participation in the ISL, in accordance with the terms of the Participation Agreement,” FSDL stated.
The club, however, assured that the issue is being handled and that the club is on the verge of an agreement to bring Shrachi back into the fold.
“We received the letter yesterday but the whole thing is under a legal process at the moment. FSDL should understand that,” Ishtiaque Ahmed, Mohammedan Sporting’s General Secretary said, without revealing details of the deal.
“This will take some time. Yes, there were some differences but they have been sought out and lawyers of both sides – club and investor – have almost agreed to a deal. Today, it’s a holiday so, the deal will take some more time but the issue will be resolved in a few days.”
Shrachi Sports was not available when Sportstar reached out to them for a reaction.
Mohammedan Sporting risks ISL expulsion over breach of FSDL agreement
Mohammedan Sporting risks expulsion from the Indian Super League (ISL) for its failure to meet the league’s financial requirements, according to a letter sent to the Kolkata outfit by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
After gaining promotion to the ISL last year, Black Panthers finished at the bottom of the table with 13 points from 24 games.
In a letter to the club, FSDL stated that, “In relation to your failure to furnish the Bank Guarantee as required under the Participation Agreement, and the delay in executing the required definitive share subscription & shareholders agreement (SSSHA), we have recently received a communication dated 2nd April 2025 from Shrachi Sports, indicating their withdrawal due to differences with both MSCPL and BPL.
“We repeat that, financial stability is one of the fundamental requirements for participation in the ISL, and the imminent withdrawal of your key investor raises serious concerns about the club’s ability to meet the operational expenses for running the Team.”
Mohammedan Sporting has been in financial turmoil throughout the 2024-25 season, with its head coach Andrey Chernyshov terminating his contract mid-season.
The side remained in choppy water both on and off the field as differences grew between the club management and investors, BunkerHill Private Limited – Mohammedan Sporting’s principal investor since 2020 – and Shrachi.
The letter also added, “It is disturbing that MSCPL failed to disclose any ongoing differences with Shrachi Sports during its active playing phase of the ISL, and this has come to light only after your team has failed to qualify for the playoffs. In the absence of transparency and timely disclosures, we are left to question whether this information was intentionally withheld till now since it would no longer affect your Team’s participation this season.”
FSDL has given the club seven days to lay out a contingency plan in writing wherein it secures a replacement sponsor within 30 days and a statement on its outstanding dues for the 2024-25 season.
“Failure to meet these demands will leave us with no option but to consider further actions, including termination of your participation in the ISL, in accordance with the terms of the Participation Agreement,” FSDL stated.
The club, however, assured that the issue is being handled and that the club is on the verge of an agreement to bring Shrachi back into the fold.
“We received the letter yesterday but the whole thing is under a legal process at the moment. FSDL should understand that,” Ishtiaque Ahmed, Mohammedan Sporting’s General Secretary said, without revealing details of the deal.
“This will take some time. Yes, there were some differences but they have been sought out and lawyers of both sides – club and investor – have almost agreed to a deal. Today, it’s a holiday so, the deal will take some more time but the issue will be resolved in a few days.”
Shrachi Sports was not available when Sportstar reached out to them for a reaction.
Mohammedan Sporting risks ISL expulsion over breach of FSDL agreement
Mohammedan Sporting risks expulsion from the Indian Super League (ISL) for its failure to meet the league’s financial requirements, according to a letter sent to the Kolkata outfit by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
After gaining promotion to the ISL last year, Black Panthers finished at the bottom of the table with 13 points from 24 games.
In a letter to the club, FSDL stated that, “In relation to your failure to furnish the Bank Guarantee as required under the Participation Agreement, and the delay in executing the required definitive share subscription & shareholders agreement (SSSHA), we have recently received a communication dated 2nd April 2025 from Shrachi Sports, indicating their withdrawal due to differences with both MSCPL and BPL.
“We repeat that, financial stability is one of the fundamental requirements for participation in the ISL, and the imminent withdrawal of your key investor raises serious concerns about the club’s ability to meet the operational expenses for running the Team.”
Mohammedan Sporting has been in financial turmoil throughout the 2024-25 season, with its head coach Andrey Chernyshov terminating his contract mid-season.
The side remained in choppy water both on and off the field as differences grew between the club management and investors, BunkerHill Private Limited – Mohammedan Sporting’s principal investor since 2020 – and Shrachi.
The letter also added, “It is disturbing that MSCPL failed to disclose any ongoing differences with Shrachi Sports during its active playing phase of the ISL, and this has come to light only after your team has failed to qualify for the playoffs. In the absence of transparency and timely disclosures, we are left to question whether this information was intentionally withheld till now since it would no longer affect your Team’s participation this season.”
FSDL has given the club seven days to lay out a contingency plan in writing wherein it secures a replacement sponsor within 30 days and a statement on its outstanding dues for the 2024-25 season.
“Failure to meet these demands will leave us with no option but to consider further actions, including termination of your participation in the ISL, in accordance with the terms of the Participation Agreement,” FSDL stated.
The club, however, assured that the issue is being handled and that the club is on the verge of an agreement to bring Shrachi back into the fold.
“We received the letter yesterday but the whole thing is under a legal process at the moment. FSDL should understand that,” Ishtiaque Ahmed, Mohammedan Sporting’s General Secretary said, without revealing details of the deal.
“This will take some time. Yes, there were some differences but they have been sought out and lawyers of both sides – club and investor – have almost agreed to a deal. Today, it’s a holiday so, the deal will take some more time but the issue will be resolved in a few days.”
Shrachi Sports was not available when Sportstar reached out to them for a reaction.
such an inspirational club. Not paying players not informing the league about the failure of sponsors. Their sporting spirit to somehow win the ISL title should be appreciated. More ISL clubs should follow this model so our fringe players will become homeless and will probably try to go play abroad. Salute to their contributions to Indian football.
Comments
The future of Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohammedan Sporting is in jeopardy as its investors, Shrachi Sports and Bunkerhill, have officially pulled up the release of funds.
The impasse stemmed from the club’s failure to transfer the promised 61 per cent shares to the investors, alleged Shrachi Sports, leading to a legal tussle.
On Tuesday, Shrachi Sports announced that it could no longer fund Mohammedan Sporting due to the club’s ongoing legal tussle with Bunkerhill, a Gurgaon-based sports management company.
Bunkerhill had sued the club last month, accusing Mohammedan Sporting of not fulfilling its commitment to issue shares.
This development cast doubt on Mohammedan Sporting’s ability to continue its ISL campaign midway through the season.
Shrachi Sports, a venture of the Kolkata-based Shrachi Group, joined as a joint investor of the club in August 2024, holding a 30.5 per cent stake alongside Bunkerhill. Mohammedan Sporting retained the remaining shares in the century-old club.
Players’ grievances
The latest development unfolded a week after players staged a protest and boycotted training on the eve of their ISL clash against Chennaiyin FC, alleging, as reported by The Bridge, that they had not been paid their salaries for over three months.
Training resumed only after club president Amiruddin Bobby assured the players that their grievances would be addressed.
Despite the turmoil, Mohammedan Sporting managed a 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC. The team is now scheduled to play Mumbai City FC on January 26, but the impasse continues.
On Monday, coach Andrey Chernyshov convened the first training session since the Chennaiyin FC match. However, apart from the club's five Santosh Trophy-winning players, including Robi Hansda, the majority of the team boycotted the session.
Shrachi’s MoU with Mohammedan Sporting expires!
In a press statement, Shrachi Sports expressed frustration over the impasse, stating: “Since investing into the Mohammedan Sporting, our primary focus has been to take care of our players and attain excellence and create impact in the ISL.”
Shrachi also said it has already spent more than 50 per cent of its committed funds but is no longer obligated to provide further funds since its original Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the club has expired.
“We are now caught in a crossfire between the club and the original investors, Bunkerhill, who have sent a legal notice to the club last month. We have already spent more than 50 per cent of our committed investment into the Mohammedan Sporting Club Pvt. Ltd. with the sole motive of making a team that is competitive and can repay the faith of our fans. But now with the club in the middle of a legal impasse with Bunkerhill, our hands are tied,” the statement read.
Shrachi further alleged that Mohammedan Sporting’s management had not issued them any shares, despite repeated promises.
“Also, the original MoU that we had signed with the club has now expired. Second, we too have not been issued any shares by the club despite repeated promises to do so. Bunkerhill, despite investing into the club for the last three years, has not been issued any shares either and has now sent the said notice while putting on hold all further infusion of funds until shares are issued,” the group added.
Expressing concern for the players and fans, Shrachi Sports stated: “Clearly, we are caught in this crossfire and while we do not ever want our players and fans to suffer, there is very little we can do under these circumstances, until these issues are amicably sorted out.”
“We are trying to work with the club and Bunkerhill to resolve these at the earliest, allowing us to continue with all our activities as normal,” the group added.
https://thebridge.in/football/investors-stopped-funding-mohammedan-sporting-faces-uncertain-future-isl-51680?infinitescroll=1
Mohammedan Sporting risks ISL expulsion over breach of FSDL agreement
Mohammedan Sporting risks expulsion from the Indian Super League (ISL) for its failure to meet the league’s financial requirements, according to a letter sent to the Kolkata outfit by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
After gaining promotion to the ISL last year, Black Panthers finished at the bottom of the table with 13 points from 24 games.
In a letter to the club, FSDL stated that, “In relation to your failure to furnish the Bank Guarantee as required under the Participation Agreement, and the delay in executing the required definitive share subscription & shareholders agreement (SSSHA), we have recently received a communication dated 2nd April 2025 from Shrachi Sports, indicating their withdrawal due to differences with both MSCPL and BPL.
“We repeat that, financial stability is one of the fundamental requirements for participation in the ISL, and the imminent withdrawal of your key investor raises serious concerns about the club’s ability to meet the operational expenses for running the Team.”
The side remained in choppy water both on and off the field as differences grew between the club management and investors, BunkerHill Private Limited – Mohammedan Sporting’s principal investor since 2020 – and Shrachi.
The letter also added, “It is disturbing that MSCPL failed to disclose any ongoing differences with Shrachi Sports during its active playing phase of the ISL, and this has come to light only after your team has failed to qualify for the playoffs. In the absence of transparency and timely disclosures, we are left to question whether this information was intentionally withheld till now since it would no longer affect your Team’s participation this season.”
FSDL has given the club seven days to lay out a contingency plan in writing wherein it secures a replacement sponsor within 30 days and a statement on its outstanding dues for the 2024-25 season.
“Failure to meet these demands will leave us with no option but to consider further actions, including termination of your participation in the ISL, in accordance with the terms of the Participation Agreement,” FSDL stated.
The club, however, assured that the issue is being handled and that the club is on the verge of an agreement to bring Shrachi back into the fold.
“We received the letter yesterday but the whole thing is under a legal process at the moment. FSDL should understand that,” Ishtiaque Ahmed, Mohammedan Sporting’s General Secretary said, without revealing details of the deal.
“This will take some time. Yes, there were some differences but they have been sought out and lawyers of both sides – club and investor – have almost agreed to a deal. Today, it’s a holiday so, the deal will take some more time but the issue will be resolved in a few days.”
Shrachi Sports was not available when Sportstar reached out to them for a reaction.
https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-news/mohammedan-sporting-club-isl-expulsion-news-indian-super-league-fsdl/article69419420.ece