<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>
In a hilarious U-turn in India football&rsquo;s second division, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has ordered Churchill Brothers to return the I-League trophy after controversy surrounds the legitimacy of the title win. The decision came on Monday (April 28) a day after the trophy was presented to Churchill Brothers who were unofficially crowned the champions of Indian football&rsquo;s second division. As learned, the decision to revoke the champion&rsquo;s title from Churchill came after an order from the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS).
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hilarious U-turn in I-League</h2>
After confusion surrounded the official announcement of champions in the second division of Indian football, AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan presented the I-League title to Churchill despite Inter Kashi&rsquo;s pending appeal on a fortified match that could see them crowned champions. The decision first challenged in the Delhi High Court was also stayed by the CAS on Sunday, but the email went unnoticed until Monday.
However, upon receiving the CAS email, the AIFF acted swiftly and asked for the I-League trophy to be returned. The CAS has also barred it from conducting any formal medal ceremony, the national federation awarded the winner&rsquo;s trophy to the Goan club.
"On Monday, we have written to Churchill Brothers to return the I-League trophy," an AIFF source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
"We are bound to obey the CAS order. Let the CAS decide on the matter, and we will hand over the trophy after the decision."
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<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What is the controversy?</h2>
On January 13, Namdhari beat Inter Kashi 2-0 in the I-League. After the match was over, Inter Kashi disputed the result, alleging that Namdhari had fielded an ineligible player, Cledson Carvalho da Silva, a Brazilian centre forward. They contended that D&eacute; should have been suspended under the AIFF&rsquo;s rules, claiming he had accumulated four yellow cards through the season. The fact that one of his yellow cards led to a sending-off presented a confusing scenario for the parties involved.
In case Inter Kashi win their appeal against the ineligible player and are awarded three points they will claim the I-League title with 42 points while Churchill currently sit on 40 points. &nbsp;

The AIFF has ordered Churchill Brothers to return the I-League trophy after controversy surrounds the legitimacy of the title win. India News | Sports | Football

In a hilarious U-turn in India football’s second division, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has ordered Churchill Brothers to return the I-League trophy after controversy surrounds the legitimacy of the title win. The decision came on Monday (April 28) a day after the trophy was presented to Churchill Brothers who were unofficially crowned the champions of Indian football’s second division. As learned, the decision to revoke the champion’s title from Churchill came after an order from the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS). Hilarious U-turn in I-League After confusion surrounded the official announcement of champions in the second division of Indian football, AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan presented the I-League title to Churchill despite Inter Kashi’s pending appeal on a fortified match that could see them crowned champions. The decision first challenged in the Delhi High Court was also stayed by the CAS on Sunday, but the email went unnoticed until Monday. However, upon receiving the CAS email, the AIFF acted swiftly and asked for the I-League trophy to be returned. The CAS has also barred it from conducting any formal medal ceremony, the national federation awarded the winner’s trophy to the Goan club. "On Monday, we have written to Churchill Brothers to return the I-League trophy," an AIFF source told PTI on condition of anonymity. "We are bound to obey the CAS order. Let the CAS decide on the matter, and we will hand over the trophy after the decision." ALSO READ | Underfire Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti set to become new Brazil national team manager - Report What is the controversy? On January 13, Namdhari beat Inter Kashi 2-0 in the I-League. After the match was over, Inter Kashi disputed the result, alleging that Namdhari had fielded an ineligible player, Cledson Carvalho da Silva, a Brazilian centre forward. They contended that Dé should have been suspended under the AIFF’s rules, claiming he had accumulated four yellow cards through the season. The fact that one of his yellow cards led to a sending-off presented a confusing scenario for the parties involved. In case Inter Kashi win their appeal against the ineligible player and are awarded three points they will claim the I-League title with 42 points while Churchill currently sit on 40 points.

Oops! AIFF wants I-League prize back from Churchill—just a day later for THIS reason

All India Football Federation (AIFF) League Committee on Wednesday unanimously decided to postpone the I-League 2021-22 matches for the next round which were scheduled on December 30-31.

The Committee deliberated at length about the current situation wherein COVID-19 positive cases have been detected among participating teams in the ongoing I-League 2021-22, and also took into serious consideration Harsh Mahajan's suggestions to adhere to medical parameters, and move forward together without making any compromise on the health of the players.

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This decision was taken at an emergency AIFF League Committee Meeting held via video conferencing today chaired by Subrata Dutta, Senior Vice President, All India Football Federation, and Chairman, League Committee.

"Besides, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das and League CEO Mr. Sunando Dhar, Mr. Lalnghinglova Hmar, Mr. Chirag Tanna, Mr. Rochak Langer attended the meeting, while leave of absence was granted to Mr. Souter Vaz, Mr. Anil Kumar, and Mr. BK Roka. Dr. Harsh Mahajan, a Padma Shri, a member of the AIFF Sports Medical Committee was also present as a special invitee, as was Mr. Abhishek Yadav, Deputy General Secretary, AIFF," AIFF in a statement said.

"Dr. Mahajan, informed that there needs to be bare minimum contact among all for the next 5-7 days as studies indicate that both the Delta and Omicron variant can be passed onto other human bodies within the period. Acting on the advice, the Committee hence, unanimously decided to postpone the Hero I-League 2021-22 matches for the next round which were scheduled on December 30-31, 2021," the statement added.

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All players, staff, and referees have already been tested on Wednesday and will be tested again on January 1 and January 3, 2022 respectively. The League will review the situation once all test results come in on January 4, 2022, and reach a consensus thereafter including the next round matches on Jan 4-5.

Meanwhile, all the players who have tested positive have already been moved to isolation with AIFF monitoring and arranging for subsequent regular medical consultations.&nbsp;

All India Football Federation (AIFF) League Committee on Wednesday unanimously decided to postpone the I-League 2021-22 matches for the next round which were scheduled on December 30-31.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) League Committee on Wednesday unanimously decided to postpone the I-League 2021-22 matches for the next round which were scheduled on December 30-31. The Committee deliberated at length about the current situation wherein COVID-19 positive cases have been detected among participating teams in the ongoing I-League 2021-22, and also took into serious consideration Harsh Mahajan's suggestions to adhere to medical parameters, and move forward together without making any compromise on the health of the players. ALSO READ: Serie A: Clubs suspend ticket sales as Italy reduce stadium capacity to 50% This decision was taken at an emergency AIFF League Committee Meeting held via video conferencing today chaired by Subrata Dutta, Senior Vice President, All India Football Federation, and Chairman, League Committee. "Besides, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das and League CEO Mr. Sunando Dhar, Mr. Lalnghinglova Hmar, Mr. Chirag Tanna, Mr. Rochak Langer attended the meeting, while leave of absence was granted to Mr. Souter Vaz, Mr. Anil Kumar, and Mr. BK Roka. Dr. Harsh Mahajan, a Padma Shri, a member of the AIFF Sports Medical Committee was also present as a special invitee, as was Mr. Abhishek Yadav, Deputy General Secretary, AIFF," AIFF in a statement said. "Dr. Mahajan, informed that there needs to be bare minimum contact among all for the next 5-7 days as studies indicate that both the Delta and Omicron variant can be passed onto other human bodies within the period. Acting on the advice, the Committee hence, unanimously decided to postpone the Hero I-League 2021-22 matches for the next round which were scheduled on December 30-31, 2021," the statement added. ALSO READ: Manchester United must focus on getting better as a team not individuals, says manager Ralf Rangnick All players, staff, and referees have already been tested on Wednesday and will be tested again on January 1 and January 3, 2022 respectively. The League will review the situation once all test results come in on January 4, 2022, and reach a consensus thereafter including the next round matches on Jan 4-5. Meanwhile, all the players who have tested positive have already been moved to isolation with AIFF monitoring and arranging for subsequent regular medical consultations.

AIFF decide to postpone I-League next round on December 30, 31 amid COVID-19 outbreak

The latest edition of I-League will kick off on January 9, 2021, in Kolkata. Eleven teams will be contesting in this tournament to win the coveted trophy.&nbsp;

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The players will enter the bio-secure bubble 14 days ahead of their first match according to the schedule, which will be announced shortly.&nbsp;

Due to COVID-19 pandemic situation, last year's I-League was halted abruptly. However, the league resumed again via I-League Qualifier 2020 that was played in October.&nbsp;

The qualifiers were organised well, as the government of the West Bengal and the Indian Football Association (IFA) joined hands with the All India Football Federation.&nbsp;

"We can't thank Government of West Bengal and IFA enough for their unconditional support to hosting the Hero I-League Qualifier this year. Without their support, we couldn't even think of hosting the tournament smoothly," AIFF quoted Sunando Dhar, CEO, Leagues as saying.

"Hero I-League Qualifier was a stage rehearsal for the next edition of Hero I-League as it'll be a longer and more challenging tournament from every single aspect. We'll work with them hand in hand to make it a grand success and we're confident to pull it off successfully," he added.

The league will witness 11 teams competing with each other in the first leg. The first leg will be followed by before they are divided into two different groups.

The team with maximum points (cumulative points collected from all 15 matches) will be the winner of Hero I-League 2020-21.

The latest edition of I-League will kick off on January 9, 2021, in Kolkata. Eleven teams will be contesting in this tournament to win the coveted trophy. Also read: Barcelona's presidential candidate asks Lionel Messi to take pay cut due to club debts The players will enter the bio-secure bubble 14 days ahead of their first match according to the schedule, which will be announced shortly.

The latest edition of I-League will kick off on January 9, 2021, in Kolkata. Eleven teams will be contesting in this tournament to win the coveted trophy. Also read: Barcelona's presidential candidate asks Lionel Messi to take pay cut due to club debts The players will enter the bio-secure bubble 14 days ahead of their first match according to the schedule, which will be announced shortly. Due to COVID-19 pandemic situation, last year's I-League was halted abruptly. However, the league resumed again via I-League Qualifier 2020 that was played in October. The qualifiers were organised well, as the government of the West Bengal and the Indian Football Association (IFA) joined hands with the All India Football Federation. "We can't thank Government of West Bengal and IFA enough for their unconditional support to hosting the Hero I-League Qualifier this year. Without their support, we couldn't even think of hosting the tournament smoothly," AIFF quoted Sunando Dhar, CEO, Leagues as saying. "Hero I-League Qualifier was a stage rehearsal for the next edition of Hero I-League as it'll be a longer and more challenging tournament from every single aspect. We'll work with them hand in hand to make it a grand success and we're confident to pull it off successfully," he added. The league will witness 11 teams competing with each other in the first leg. The first leg will be followed by before they are divided into two different groups. The team with maximum points (cumulative points collected from all 15 matches) will be the winner of Hero I-League 2020-21.

I-League 2021 set to kick-off in Kolkata on January

Ranjit Bajaj on Wednesday confirmed to WION that he along with his spouse Henna Singh have resigned as the directors of I-League outfit Punjab FC while selling their 50 per cent stake at the club to Round Glass. The lifestyle and wellbeing firm, Round Glass had, earlier in the season, bought the 50 per cent of club’s shares and the remaining 50 per cent will give the organisation complete charge of the football club.&nbsp;Bajaj has now sold&nbsp;his I-League club&nbsp;something other business firms had failed to do in the past

“Being completely honest, there’s no point spending money for the next few years in the I-League. There’s no promotion system and moreover, looking at the AFC spot, which was supposed to be given to I-League clubs and whatever the reason may be, somehow they have given the AFC spots to ISL clubs. So that was our sole motivation and that being taken away from us was demotivating. So my main focus will be to consolidate all the finances and making sure that the Minerva academy is world-class,” Ranjit Bajaj told WION in an exclusive chat. &nbsp;

<img alt="Ranjit Bajaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3f29ffb0-7d9f-4865-940a-081f36fe4610" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Minerva-Academy-Mr-Ranjit-Bajaj_0.jpg" />

Running a football club in India is not an easy task by any means. With the Asian Football Confederation recognising ISL as the top league in the country, hardly anything remained on the table for I-League clubs. AFC Champions League spot was allocated to ISL group stage winners and I-League was left empty-handed. No promotion system hurt the I-League clubs more. &nbsp;

“Being honest, that is one of the main reasons (the AFC-approved roadmap for Indian football). For an I-League to survive in the next few years, at least 8-9 crore is needed. And moreover, there’s no way to get into the upper tier now, there’s no AFC spot, there’s no stipend coming from AIFF. So I feel this is the perfect time for me to pick up on youth. This is the time to spend on youths and not seniors. If we want to get into the top-tier then we will need to spend money on that, so it is no more based on merit or quality. So there’s no point spending on merit in the senior team if it will not be rewarded,” Bajaj said. 
&nbsp; 
"I have been spending everything alone and still managed to produce results which no other academies have been able to do. Imagine, this being backed financially, it will be huge. Legacy is not about winning I-League, I have won everything, I have won U-13s, U-15s four time in a row, U-18s, I have won the senior and I started this club just four years back so legacy is not about winning titles. There will be a new champion every year but who will take India to the World Cup? People and authorities will talk about India will play World Cup in 2022, then they will say India will play in 2026 and so on. Look at Japan, they have said they will win the World Cup in the year 2050, so there are planning to win the World Cup with players who haven’t even taken birth. So I am looking to create a world-class academy and this will be known as my World Cup patch,” he added.

<img alt="Ranjit Bajaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="daae6589-ac6d-49ac-b7f4-d19f0e52a774" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5140897236_9736180245.jpg" />

The likes of Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Abhishek Ambekar, Shayan Roy, Ronald Singh, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem, Anwar Ali, Mohammed Irshad, Boaringdao Bodo, Germanpreet Singh, Manvir Singh, Kamaljit Singh, Prosenjit Chakraborty, are among others who have come out of the famous Minerva Academy. The inflow of talents will not dry up reckons Bajaj as he aims to turn the Minerva Academy into a world-class center. Bajaj terms this phase as his ‘World Cup patch’ and aims to take more and more youngsters to clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid to get the best out of their potential.

“I can now focus on my main aim. I have produced 73 talents for India in four and a half years, TATA Football Academy couldn’t even do it in 15 years. So now that I have good financial backing with me, I will create something wonderful for Indian football. See, Jeakson Singh scored India’s first-ever World Cup goal and that will remain as Jeakson’s goal and Jeakson will forever be a Minerva Academy talent. So if India qualifies for the World Cup one day with a majority of Minerva Academy players, then I will call it as a legacy,” Bajaj explained.

“We will have everything! There’s going to be a world-class gym, swimming pool, there’s going to be a cryotherapy center, world-class physiotherapy center and imagine I can put that up with a saving of one or two years from the money which is going into the I-League. What I aim is to show success with my model. We can’t achieve it with one Minerva, India needs 100s of Minerva Academies so we need everybody to step up now. I will take my U-7s, U-8s to Barcelona, Real Madrid to test them against the best from their age group and that is the way to test talents. From there we can judge how good a player can become or what improvement do they need in their game,” he added.

<img alt="Ranjit Bajaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e09603ba-64bf-444a-aaa9-91acbc377409" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/137138-mvydnjkrwa-1582548988.jpg" />

When asked about why he chose Round Glass to take control of Punjab FC, Bajaj said it was because of the work they have doner&nbsp;at the grass-root levels in the last couple of years. He further said that a club can be run frugally but with no motivation to spend on the senior team, it was the best deal for him and Round Glass to take forward the legacy of Punjab FC.

“This football club is my baby! That is the reason I sold my stakes to Round Glass because they now know the club well, they have that passion, they are bigger than me and they have spent time running the Round Glass Academy. So they have a proven track record and I know they will take this club from strength to strength. Now Round Glass wanted to invest on the senior team and I guess it is a perfect deal for both

“I have just proven to the world that if you can run a football club frugally, you can get titles, you can produce internationals and at the end, it is a good business prospect. If you run a club properly then it will produce your profit,” Bajaj said.

“It was a very well thought of the decision. We have taken so many loans which need to be repaid. Running this club for the last five years have taken a toll on the family as well. I was a player before so I know that clubs don’t pay you on time and I didn’t want my club to be in that situation. I don’t have the backing to be in the ISL, yes, I can remain in the I-league, but as I said you earlier, there’s no point being there with no incentives coming your way,” he concluded.

Ranjit Bajaj on Wednesday confirmed to WION that he along with his spouse Henna Singh have resigned as the directors of I-League outfit Punjab FC while selling their 50 per cent stake at the club to Round Glass.

Ranjit Bajaj on Wednesday confirmed to WION that he along with his spouse Henna Singh have resigned as the directors of I-League outfit Punjab FC while selling their 50 per cent stake at the club to Round Glass. The lifestyle and wellbeing firm, Round Glass had, earlier in the season, bought the 50 per cent of club’s shares and the remaining 50 per cent will give the organisation complete charge of the football club. Bajaj has now sold his I-League club something other business firms had failed to do in the past “Being completely honest, there’s no point spending money for the next few years in the I-League. There’s no promotion system and moreover, looking at the AFC spot, which was supposed to be given to I-League clubs and whatever the reason may be, somehow they have given the AFC spots to ISL clubs. So that was our sole motivation and that being taken away from us was demotivating. So my main focus will be to consolidate all the finances and making sure that the Minerva academy is world-class,” Ranjit Bajaj told WION in an exclusive chat. Running a football club in India is not an easy task by any means. With the Asian Football Confederation recognising ISL as the top league in the country, hardly anything remained on the table for I-League clubs. AFC Champions League spot was allocated to ISL group stage winners and I-League was left empty-handed. No promotion system hurt the I-League clubs more. “Being honest, that is one of the main reasons (the AFC-approved roadmap for Indian football). For an I-League to survive in the next few years, at least 8-9 crore is needed. And moreover, there’s no way to get into the upper tier now, there’s no AFC spot, there’s no stipend coming from AIFF. So I feel this is the perfect time for me to pick up on youth. This is the time to spend on youths and not seniors. If we want to get into the top-tier then we will need to spend money on that, so it is no more based on merit or quality. So there’s no point spending on merit in the senior team if it will not be rewarded,” Bajaj said. "I have been spending everything alone and still managed to produce results which no other academies have been able to do. Imagine, this being backed financially, it will be huge. Legacy is not about winning I-League, I have won everything, I have won U-13s, U-15s four time in a row, U-18s, I have won the senior and I started this club just four years back so legacy is not about winning titles. There will be a new champion every year but who will take India to the World Cup? People and authorities will talk about India will play World Cup in 2022, then they will say India will play in 2026 and so on. Look at Japan, they have said they will win the World Cup in the year 2050, so there are planning to win the World Cup with players who haven’t even taken birth. So I am looking to create a world-class academy and this will be known as my World Cup patch,” he added. The likes of Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Abhishek Ambekar, Shayan Roy, Ronald Singh, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem, Anwar Ali, Mohammed Irshad, Boaringdao Bodo, Germanpreet Singh, Manvir Singh, Kamaljit Singh, Prosenjit Chakraborty, are among others who have come out of the famous Minerva Academy. The inflow of talents will not dry up reckons Bajaj as he aims to turn the Minerva Academy into a world-class center. Bajaj terms this phase as his ‘World Cup patch’ and aims to take more and more youngsters to clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid to get the best out of their potential. “I can now focus on my main aim. I have produced 73 talents for India in four and a half years, TATA Football Academy couldn’t even do it in 15 years. So now that I have good financial backing with me, I will create something wonderful for Indian football. See, Jeakson Singh scored India’s first-ever World Cup goal and that will remain as Jeakson’s goal and Jeakson will forever be a Minerva Academy talent. So if India qualifies for the World Cup one day with a majority of Minerva Academy players, then I will call it as a legacy,” Bajaj explained. “We will have everything! There’s going to be a world-class gym, swimming pool, there’s going to be a cryotherapy center, world-class physiotherapy center and imagine I can put that up with a saving of one or two years from the money which is going into the I-League. What I aim is to show success with my model. We can’t achieve it with one Minerva, India needs 100s of Minerva Academies so we need everybody to step up now. I will take my U-7s, U-8s to Barcelona, Real Madrid to test them against the best from their age group and that is the way to test talents. From there we can judge how good a player can become or what improvement do they need in their game,” he added. When asked about why he chose Round Glass to take control of Punjab FC, Bajaj said it was because of the work they have doner at the grass-root levels in the last couple of years. He further said that a club can be run frugally but with no motivation to spend on the senior team, it was the best deal for him and Round Glass to take forward the legacy of Punjab FC. “This football club is my baby! That is the reason I sold my stakes to Round Glass because they now know the club well, they have that passion, they are bigger than me and they have spent time running the Round Glass Academy. So they have a proven track record and I know they will take this club from strength to strength. Now Round Glass wanted to invest on the senior team and I guess it is a perfect deal for both “I have just proven to the world that if you can run a football club frugally, you can get titles, you can produce internationals and at the end, it is a good business prospect. If you run a club properly then it will produce your profit,” Bajaj said. “It was a very well thought of the decision. We have taken so many loans which need to be repaid. Running this club for the last five years have taken a toll on the family as well. I was a player before so I know that clubs don’t pay you on time and I didn’t want my club to be in that situation. I don’t have the backing to be in the ISL, yes, I can remain in the I-league, but as I said you earlier, there’s no point being there with no incentives coming your way,” he concluded.

Exclusive: Ranjit Bajaj opens up on selling remaining stakes at Punjab FC to Round Glass, 'World Cup patch' and more

ATK (previously known as Atlético de Kolkata) and Mohun Bagan have finally merged into one entity. Indian Super League took to twitter to confirm&nbsp;the news.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group acquires majority stake in <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohun_Bagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mohun_Bagan</a> FC 🤝 
 
Read more 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroISL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroISL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ATKFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATKFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/phHVs25i0G">https://t.co/phHVs25i0G</a>
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/1217768910793011200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The six-years-old ISL team's merger with the 130-years-old I-League team is monumental as said by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. He tweeted to congratulate both the teams. He said: "A momentous partnership for Bengal football. I have no doubt ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers of moving Indian football forward together. 
@IndSuperLeague"- @SGanguly99

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A momentus partnership for Bengal football. I have no doubt ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers of moving Indian football forward together.<a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndSuperLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/zVHJsPxKip">https://t.co/zVHJsPxKip</a>
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99/status/1217864022898298880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ATK is owned by the Sanjiv Goenka's RPSG group, whereas Mohun Bagan football team is looked after by Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Private Limited.

In the deal struck by the two teams, ATK will hold 80 per cent of the team's shares whereas Mohun Bagan will have just 20 per cent.&nbsp;

Swapan Sadhan Bose, Chairman, Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Pvt&nbsp;Ltd&nbsp;said in an official statement that "In this context, I am very thankful to India's one of the most well-known industrialists and our Kolkata's very own Dr Sanjiv Goenka for his investment through RPSG. Their vision on Indian football aligns with our philosophy and our combined forces will surely take the club to bigger and greater heights. In this respect, it is a red-letter day in the history of this iconic institution".

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🗣️ <a href="https://twitter.com/praful_patel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@praful_patel</a>: "I congratulate 👏🏻 the fans of legendary <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohun_Bagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mohun_Bagan</a> 🟢🔴 and <a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndSuperLeague</a> club <a href="https://twitter.com/ATKFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATKFC</a> 🔴⚪ on the merger 🤝."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> ⚽ <a href="https://t.co/uoWcPwgYTf">pic.twitter.com/uoWcPwgYTf</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1217838290260217857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The new deal comes into existence from June 1. They will take part in the ISL (2020-21) and other important AIFF competitions as one team.&nbsp;

The logo and jersey of the team are yet to be decided, Mohun Bagan officials have said that the essence of both the clubs would be preserved.&nbsp;

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The official press release of Mohun Bagan regarding new investor is available in the official website<a href="https://t.co/NifBXQbugJ">https://t.co/NifBXQbugJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/4QU4evdW7m">pic.twitter.com/4QU4evdW7m</a>
— Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohun_Bagan/status/1217797628366184449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ATK coach Antonio Lopez Habas is likely to be the head coach of the team. Few players of both the teams will be retained and they will look for new players to&nbsp;compete&nbsp;in the next ISL season.

Fans of both teams have expressed disappointment&nbsp;over the new merger.

But Swapan Sadhan Bose assured fans that the legacy will continue,&nbsp;"I can assure millions and millions of Bagan supporters spread across the globe, that the poetry will continue. Now that the prose is ready to lend a helping hand". 
&nbsp;

ATK (previously known as Atlético de Kolkata) and Mohun Bagan have finally merged into one entity. Indian Super League took to twitter to confirm the news. RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group acquires majority stake in @Mohun_Bagan FC 🤝 Read more 👇#HeroISL #LetsFootball @ATKFC https://t.

ATK (previously known as Atlético de Kolkata) and Mohun Bagan have finally merged into one entity. Indian Super League took to twitter to confirm the news. RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group acquires majority stake in @Mohun_Bagan FC 🤝 Read more 👇#HeroISL #LetsFootball @ATKFC https://t.co/phHVs25i0G — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 16, 2020 × The six-years-old ISL team's merger with the 130-years-old I-League team is monumental as said by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. He tweeted to congratulate both the teams. He said: "A momentous partnership for Bengal football. I have no doubt ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers of moving Indian football forward together. @IndSuperLeague"- @SGanguly99 A momentus partnership for Bengal football. I have no doubt ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers of moving Indian football forward together.@IndSuperLeague https://t.co/zVHJsPxKip — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) January 16, 2020 × ATK is owned by the Sanjiv Goenka's RPSG group, whereas Mohun Bagan football team is looked after by Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Private Limited. In the deal struck by the two teams, ATK will hold 80 per cent of the team's shares whereas Mohun Bagan will have just 20 per cent. Swapan Sadhan Bose, Chairman, Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Pvt Ltd said in an official statement that "In this context, I am very thankful to India's one of the most well-known industrialists and our Kolkata's very own Dr Sanjiv Goenka for his investment through RPSG. Their vision on Indian football aligns with our philosophy and our combined forces will surely take the club to bigger and greater heights. In this respect, it is a red-letter day in the history of this iconic institution". 🗣️ @praful_patel: "I congratulate 👏🏻 the fans of legendary @Mohun_Bagan 🟢🔴 and @IndSuperLeague club @ATKFC 🔴⚪ on the merger 🤝."#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/uoWcPwgYTf — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 16, 2020 × The new deal comes into existence from June 1. They will take part in the ISL (2020-21) and other important AIFF competitions as one team. The logo and jersey of the team are yet to be decided, Mohun Bagan officials have said that the essence of both the clubs would be preserved. The official press release of Mohun Bagan regarding new investor is available in the official websitehttps://t.co/NifBXQbugJ pic.twitter.com/4QU4evdW7m — Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) January 16, 2020 × ATK coach Antonio Lopez Habas is likely to be the head coach of the team. Few players of both the teams will be retained and they will look for new players to compete in the next ISL season. Fans of both teams have expressed disappointment over the new merger. But Swapan Sadhan Bose assured fans that the legacy will continue, "I can assure millions and millions of Bagan supporters spread across the globe, that the poetry will continue. Now that the prose is ready to lend a helping hand".

'ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers in Indian football': Sourav Ganguly

Minerva Punjab today triumphed against all odds less than a year after a miracle by another underdogs Aizawl FC, concluding an I-League season peppered with twists and turns never seen or felt before.

The 2017-18 league was down to the most dramatic final day in the competition&#39;s history with as many as four teams, including old guards Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, gunning for the title.

Debutants Neroca FC, surprisingly, were the other contenders.

For a club that is only in its second season in top-flight, the title triumph would easily qualify as some achievement.

In the process, they created history by becoming the first team from North India to win the Hero I-League.

William Asiedu Opoku&#39;s goal was enough to seal the title for Minerva Punjab, who beat Churchill Brothers by a solitary goal.

This is a landmark moment in Indian football where two relegation threatened teams have won back to back I-League titles. Last year it was Aizawl, this year it is Minerva Punjab from Chandigarh.

Churchill Brothers, on the other hand, got relegated as this defeat demotes them to second division.

Minerva Punjab&#39;s attacking trio of Chencho Gyeltshen, William and Girik Khosla combined well to put Churchill?s defence in jeopardy.

Chencho almost scored the opener in 8th minute when a low Khosla cross wasn?t dealt with properly by Osagie Monday, giving the Bhutanese ace a chance, but he couldn?t make full use of it.

Minutes later Akash Sangwan had an opportunity to score from left but his shot went straight into the keeper&#39;s hands.

The moment finally came in the 16th minute when William converted from point blank range after a rebound from Khosla&#39;s shot, which fell right into his feet.

William had another great chance in the injury time of first half but he couldn&#39;t control his effort and lost possession.

The first half ended with the home side leading 1-0.

The second half started with a flurry of attacks from Churchill Brothers who tried their best to come back but got unlucky on many occasions.

In the 49th minute, Sangwan?s pin point corner kick met Chencho header but his effort went just wide of target.

Churchill Brothers almost scored in the 51st minute when Britto got a chance from just six yards out but his weak effort hit the keeper. Ceesay took a long shot in the 54th minute but Kiran was there to save comfortably.

Monday tried his luck in the 59th minute but his wayward short was nowhere near the target. The big chance for Churchill came in the 61st minute when Ceesay created space inside box to set himself for a shot but ball just went over the crossbar.

Minerva should have doubled their lead in the 64th minute when Kassim Aidara played one two with Chencho but Chencho?s following cross towards Sangwan, who was unmarked, went out for a goal kick.

In the 65th minute, Britto missed the opportunity of the match so far when he went one on one with the keeper Kiran but Minerva shot stopper came out quickly to save his side.

In another show of combination play Chencho was brilliantly set up by William in the 73rd minute in the box but he decided to cut inside and in doing so lost possession.

Minerva centre back Eric Dano got a chance in the 80th minute when he took a shot after a deflected corner kick but his shot was nowhere near target.

Gangandeep Bali got a chance to get his name on the score-sheet but his weak effort didn&#39;t trouble the keeper.&nbsp;

As many as four teams, including old guards Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, were gunning for the title

Minerva Punjab today triumphed against all odds less than a year after a miracle by another underdogs Aizawl FC, concluding an I-League season peppered with twists and turns never seen or felt before. The 2017-18 league was down to the most dramatic final day in the competition's history with as many as four teams, including old guards Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, gunning for the title. Debutants Neroca FC, surprisingly, were the other contenders. For a club that is only in its second season in top-flight, the title triumph would easily qualify as some achievement. In the process, they created history by becoming the first team from North India to win the Hero I-League. William Asiedu Opoku's goal was enough to seal the title for Minerva Punjab, who beat Churchill Brothers by a solitary goal. This is a landmark moment in Indian football where two relegation threatened teams have won back to back I-League titles. Last year it was Aizawl, this year it is Minerva Punjab from Chandigarh. Churchill Brothers, on the other hand, got relegated as this defeat demotes them to second division. Minerva Punjab's attacking trio of Chencho Gyeltshen, William and Girik Khosla combined well to put Churchill?s defence in jeopardy. Chencho almost scored the opener in 8th minute when a low Khosla cross wasn?t dealt with properly by Osagie Monday, giving the Bhutanese ace a chance, but he couldn?t make full use of it. Minutes later Akash Sangwan had an opportunity to score from left but his shot went straight into the keeper's hands. The moment finally came in the 16th minute when William converted from point blank range after a rebound from Khosla's shot, which fell right into his feet. William had another great chance in the injury time of first half but he couldn't control his effort and lost possession. The first half ended with the home side leading 1-0. The second half started with a flurry of attacks from Churchill Brothers who tried their best to come back but got unlucky on many occasions. In the 49th minute, Sangwan?s pin point corner kick met Chencho header but his effort went just wide of target. Churchill Brothers almost scored in the 51st minute when Britto got a chance from just six yards out but his weak effort hit the keeper. Ceesay took a long shot in the 54th minute but Kiran was there to save comfortably. Monday tried his luck in the 59th minute but his wayward short was nowhere near the target. The big chance for Churchill came in the 61st minute when Ceesay created space inside box to set himself for a shot but ball just went over the crossbar. Minerva should have doubled their lead in the 64th minute when Kassim Aidara played one two with Chencho but Chencho?s following cross towards Sangwan, who was unmarked, went out for a goal kick. In the 65th minute, Britto missed the opportunity of the match so far when he went one on one with the keeper Kiran but Minerva shot stopper came out quickly to save his side. In another show of combination play Chencho was brilliantly set up by William in the 73rd minute in the box but he decided to cut inside and in doing so lost possession. Minerva centre back Eric Dano got a chance in the 80th minute when he took a shot after a deflected corner kick but his shot was nowhere near target. Gangandeep Bali got a chance to get his name on the score-sheet but his weak effort didn't trouble the keeper.

Against all odds, Minerva Punjab win I-League

In six consecutive loss,&nbsp;East Bengal lost to Mohan Bagan 0-1 in the Kolkata derby of the I-League at the Salt Lake stadium on Sunday.&nbsp;

Nigerian defender Kingsley Obumneme, who was signed by champion Aizawl FC in the off-season, scored the winning goal in the 38th minute. Kingsley headed the winner home from a Sonny Norde corner kick in front of a 64,000 plus in attendance.

This defeat makes it a six consecutive loss for East Bengal against city rivals Bagan.

Though the final scoreline read just 1-0, the match was action-filled as both the teams came close to scoring.&nbsp;

Though the final scoreline read just 1-0, the match was action-filled as both the teams came close to scoring

In six consecutive loss, East Bengal lost to Mohan Bagan 0-1 in the Kolkata derby of the I-League at the Salt Lake stadium on Sunday. Nigerian defender Kingsley Obumneme, who was signed by champion Aizawl FC in the off-season, scored the winning goal in the 38th minute. Kingsley headed the winner home from a Sonny Norde corner kick in front of a 64,000 plus in attendance. This defeat makes it a six consecutive loss for East Bengal against city rivals Bagan. Though the final scoreline read just 1-0, the match was action-filled as both the teams came close to scoring.

I-League: Mohun Bagan beat East Bengal in Kolkata derby

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