#DemergeATKMB - It's Necessity In Indian Football

There has been a constant appeal in Bengal Football for the demerge of ATK Mohun Bagan, but it isn't just about Bengal Football anymore.

Bengal has always been the prime hub for Indian Football, with the two biggest Football Clubs of India, who also command a huge fan base, being from the Mecca of Indian Football.

While East Bengal seems to be affected by the lack of ambitious investors, Mohun Bagan has faced immense criticism from it's fans due to it's merger with ATK, the ISL Club from Bengal since ISL's inception, who have won the ISL Trophy a record three times.

While Bengal Football seems to be in a financial disparity, it clearly describes the state of Indian Football. Ambitious investors, lack of investors' interest in the sport, no profit-making scheme in ISL - all have equally contributed as to why Indian Football (read ISL) is still the 3rd most-watched professional sports league in India.

Sports has always been governed by the fans' interest and support, along with it's financial sustainability.

That, however, isn't the case with ATK Mohun Bagan FC.

Having been at the receiving end of the fans' protest against the merger, it's strategy to forcefully infuse to have a common club for both ATK Fans & Mohun Bagan, it's lack of professionalism by poaching other teams players and staffs & a transfer window competition with CFG backed Mumbai City FC - ATK Mohun Bagan has been widely attributed the most hated Football Club in India.


In our earlier blog, we have, from ATK Fans' point of view, tried to discuss why ATK Mohun Bagan merger has taken place - having a larger fanbase, FSDL's interest in bringing East Bengal & Mohun Bagan, all had contributed to the merger.

However, as can be confirmed from earlier protests of the Mohun Bagan Fans & the current financial state of East Bengal, Indian Football, and in particular ISL, cannot make it's clubs function without a strong corporate investment.

#DemergeATKMB isn't just a necessity for both the clubs' fans only. It has now been the prime example of why fans are what sports is all about, why it's important to view fans' opinion for their club. Mohammedan SC, another popular club from Bengal, has been found in rumours to be backed by investors for a prospective entry into ISL. With the big two already in ISL, and with the strong response against the ATK Mohun Bagan merger, a demerge will only see four clubs from Bengal competing in the Indian Super League, making it a joy to watch for both Football Fans in Bengal & across India, not withstanding the excitement it brings for the Bengal Football Fans, with it's football craze and the love for the sport.

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