Mamata Banerjee announces Emami Group as new East Bengal sponsor

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that Emami Group has signed a sponsorship deal with East Bengal Football Club.

East Bengal’s disastrous run in the Indian Super League last season, which saw them win only one game throughout the entire campaign, resulted in a massive sponsor walkout, jeopardising their chances of participating in the ISL next season. The partnership with the Kolkata-based multinational conglomerate, however, has saved the century-old football club for the time being.

Speaking about the partnership, Mamata Banerjee commented:

“I had a small request to Emami if they could help East Bengal since they have been a Kolkata-based industry and never left Bengal. East Bengal club has a strong brand value. Both parties have agreed to the partnership. It paves the way for East Bengal’s participation in the ISL.

“Both parties have agreed to the partnership. It paves the way for East Bengal’s participation in the Indian Super League.“

East Bengal official Debabrata Sarkar commented:

“Didi is the only Chief Minister of Bengal who always thinks about the growth of sports in the state. Again, she helped us to get a sponsor.”

Earlier, Banerjee had helped East Bengal solve problems with their previous sponsor, Shree Cement Group.

Emami Group director Aditya Agarwal said:

“We thank the Chief Minister for offering us a chance to get associated with such a top and old club. Emami has been associated with East Bengal and football since the 1990s, and now, we are getting a second chance. We hope that we will be able to meet the expectations.“