Mohammedan Sporting, a venerable football club with a rich 133-year history, has etched its name in the annals of Indian football by clinching its maiden I-League title. This triumph secures the club’s promotion to the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL).
In a thrilling away fixture against Shillong Lajong FC, Mohammedan Sporting emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, needing only a draw to seal the championship. With one game remaining, the club has already secured its ticket to the coveted league, subject to fulfilling the Indian Club Licensing System Premier 1 criteria.
Dipendu Biswas, the former India striker and current technical director of Mohammedan Sporting, expressed confidence in the club’s ability to meet all the licensing requirements set by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Football Sports Development Ltd. (FSDL), which operates the ISL.
“As far as I know, we will be able to fulfill all the criteria laid down by the AIFF and FSDL, including the Rs 100 crore bank guarantee clause,” said Biswas, who has guided the club through numerous challenges.
Biswas also confirmed that the Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) will serve as Mohammedan Sporting’s home ground in the ISL. “Yes, we will use Yuba Bharati Krirangan as our home ground,” he stated.
Despite concerns about potential pressure on the stadium if Mohammedan Sporting also uses it as its home ground, Biswas emphasized the club’s substantial fan base. “The number of supporters Mohammedan have is on par with East Bengal or Mohun Bangan. So, there is no question of thinking about some other ground. We will make Yuba Bharati our home ground,” he asserted.
Mohammedan Sporting will play its final I-League match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on April 13, providing an opportunity for the AIFF and FSDL to witness the club’s impressive fan following. “We expect more than 60,000 people to throng the stadium on Saturday,” said Biswas.
