Kolkata: This year’s ISL would be a different one than it’s previous editions for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is set to be a 10-team affair with new teams like Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC joining the competition. Also, defending champions Atletico De Kolkata would have an entirely new look this year with a new coach and new players as it has severed it’s ties with parent club Atletico Madrid.
But now the Kolkata franchise might be in legal trouble and could even face a suspension from participating in the upcoming edition of the ISL as according to sources, the Spanish club in thinking of suing the two-time ISL champions in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) following a breach of contract.
Atletico Madrid were involved with ATK ever since the ISL began in 2014 and have played a crucial role in the franchise’s success in the tournament by supplying them with top quality players, coaches and even lending their club jersey colours.
After their success last season, it was believed that the tie-up with Atletico Madrid would continue heading into the fourth edition of the popular competition but Sanjiv Goenka, the principal owner of the Kolkata franchise confirmed few days ago that the Spanish club haven’t invested a, “single penny” for ATK as a result of which, they have decided to discontinue their association.
But now the Spanish club is looking for ways to sue the ISL side and might head to the CAS in doing so. But an additional problem that the La Liga side would have to face is the fact that they have already been banned by the CAS as a result of a breach of FIFA’s youth transfer regulations.
Should they file a case against the ISL club, the new look team under Englishman Teddy Sheringham might be barred from playing the ISL if they lose the case.
As of now nothing has been finalised as yet but if this happens, it would lead to some tough times for the most successful club in ISL history.