East Bengal’s preparations for the new Indian Super League (ISL) season have been disrupted after head coach Antonio Lopez Habas and first-team players reportedly boycotted training on Wednesday, October 14, over unpaid salaries.
According to reports, the players arrived at the training ground but refused to participate until their outstanding dues were cleared. The salary delays are understood to affect foreign players, coaching staff, academy members and Under-23 players as well.
MyKhel reported that the club was working to clear most of the outstanding salaries by Thursday, October 15. However, the payments and the resumption of normal training had not been independently confirmed at the time of writing.
There have also been claims that East Bengal have close to Rs 4 crore in their bank account but are unable to access or use the funds because of an unresolved issue. This claim remains unverified, and the exact nature of the alleged restriction is unclear.
EMAMI EXIT RAISES INVESTMENT QUESTIONS
The reported salary crisis comes amid uncertainty over East Bengal’s financial backing following Emami Group’s exit as the club’s investor. On August 25, 2026, the company ended its investment and management role, transferring its shares and associated voting rights back to the club while retaining its association as a sponsor.
Emami joined East Bengal in 2022 as its majority investor after the club’s investment arrangement with Shree Cement ended. The partnership helped the club strengthen its squad and compete for major honours, including the Kalinga Super Cup in 2024 and consecutive Calcutta Football League titles in 2024 and 2025.
The end of Emami’s investor role has raised questions about the club’s ability to secure sustainable financial backing. Although the company continues as a sponsor, the reported salary delays underline the urgency of finding a stable financial arrangement.
RECENT RESULTS ADD TO PRESSURE
The off-field uncertainty follows a difficult week for Habas’ side. East Bengal lost 1-0 to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the IFA Shield final on October 8, with Samir Zeljkovic scoring the decisive goal. The defeat came after East Bengal had thrashed NorthEast United 7-2 in the semi-final.
They then suffered a 3-2 defeat against Iraq’s Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League Two on October 13. David Hmar scored twice to give East Bengal the lead on two occasions, but the Indian side were unable to prevent their opponents from securing victory.
East Bengal are scheduled to begin their ISL campaign against Churchill Brothers in Goa on October 18, followed by a league fixture against Inter Kashi on October 23. They will return to continental action against Oman’s Al-Seeb on October 27.
With three fixtures approaching across two competitions, resolving the salary dispute and restoring normal training will be crucial. Beyond the immediate crisis, East Bengal must also secure sustainable financial backing to prevent further disruption during the season.
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