Kolkata-based Mohammedan Sporting Club has officially appointed Humayun Kabir, the founder of the Am Janata Unnayan Party and a sitting MLA, as its new president. The transition follows the resignation of former president Amiruddin Bobby, who stepped down on Friday amid mounting pressure from the club’s members and supporters. The move comes as the historic club attempts to navigate a period of severe financial distress and administrative challenges. A formal reception for the new president was scheduled at the club premises on Saturday.
According to statements from club officials, the current administrative committees will remain in place for the time being. The leadership change is intended to stabilize the club`s operations and address the deep-seated financial issues that have plagued the institution for several years. The club management has announced a one-month observation period to evaluate the performance of the administration under Kabir’s leadership, particularly focusing on his ability to attract new sponsors and resolve the club’s outstanding debt.
The club has been struggling with a reported debt of 130 million rupees, a figure that has severely crippled its ability to function effectively. The dissatisfaction among fans and members reached a boiling point after the club`s poor performance in the Indian Super League (ISL). Despite earning a historic qualification for the ISL, the team failed to secure the necessary results on the pitch, leading to an eventual relegation. The club`s inability to build a competitive squad, coupled with transfer bans, left it at the bottom of the league table, fueling calls for a change in leadership.
Earlier, the club had reached out to regional legislators, including Naushad Siddiqui and the newly appointed president Humayun Kabir, seeking assistance in navigating the financial crisis and finding new commercial sponsors. The comparison with the administrative support received by rival clubs in the region has been a frequent point of contention among the supporters. As the club looks toward the future, the primary challenge for Kabir will be to secure the necessary funding to build a competitive roster and stabilize the club’s financial foundation. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the new leadership attempts to restore the confidence of the fans and set a path for recovery following a disappointing season in the national league.
