Mahindra to shift base to Kolkata?

Federation Cup champions Mahindra United could shift base from Mumbai to Kolkata if the Indian Football Association has its way.

The IFA, the parent body of the game in West Bengal, has offered the club its membership if it switches allegiance from the Western India Football Association.

"I have taken the initiative and written to Mahindra United president Alan Durante inviting him to get affiliated with us," IFA secretary Subrata Dutta said on Monday.

He said the Association's constitution allowed it to invite teams from corporate bodies to seek affiliation.

"The IFA's constitution has a provision that we can invite teams from corporations based outside West Bengal to get our affiliation," Dutta said.

He claimed an IFA-affiliated team would reap several benefits, including the best quality of competition in the country.

"If Mahindra United gets affiliated with us, it can play in the Kolkata Super Division League, the IFA Shield and other tournaments organised by the Association," Dutta added.

The IFA Shield is the only tournament in India which invites a foreign team every year, he claimed, adding "we also have big clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting, who have got a rich history and tradition."

Dutta also mentioned an intangible benefit for the jeepmen if they moved to the eastern metropolis.

"As Mahindra are spending so much money in augmenting their squad and improving their chances at various national and international tournaments, they would like a bigger supporter base.

"They cannot build that in Mumbai but in Kolkata, football is the opium of the masses. A large fan base would also raise the profile of the team," Dutta said.

Mahindra United has had problems getting a suitable ground for their home matches as the Cooperage ground in Mumbai is deemed not suitable for top-flight matches.

"We will provide them the best ground facilities and infrastructure in Kolkata," Dutta said.

He said if Mahindra apply for affiliation, the matter had to be decided at the IFA General Body Meeting.

"The All India Football Federation has no role to play in this change of affiliation," Dutta said.

According to the AIFF's technical office in Goa, no such information has been received in this regard.

"It would be an unusual case and we do not think such a shift had taken place in Indian football for a long time," a top AIFF official said.

"It is between the two Associations to decide between themselves," he said.

Dutta said if Mahindra United responded favourably to his offer, the change could be completed in the current season itself.

"If things go well, the shift would be done by April or May and Mahindra would play their home matches in Kolkata next season," he said.

He said the Mumbai-based club had told him they are considering the proposal.

When contacted, Mahindra United manager Henry Menezes, however, said he has not received any communication in this regard.

Club president Alan Durante was not available for comment.