Mohammedan Sporting have only opted against playing in the second division of the I-League and also pulled out of the Durand Cup football tournament, beginning October 28, apparently due to financial crisis.
Dismissing reports that the club is being disbanded, president and MP Sultan Ahmed told PTI: "We will not play in the I-League and Durand Cup in the upcoming season as the club is not able to meet club licensing criteria of the AIFF. We will make the club ready and develop the infrastructure and take part in the (second division) I-league from 2015-16 onwards."
In May, the Kolkata outfit was barred from competing in the I-League after failing to meet the Asian Football Confederation’s club licensing criteria.
Asked whether the 123-year-old club, devoid of sponsors, is reeling under acute financial crisis in the wake of the chit fund scam that has hit the state, Ahmed replied: "It's been there for a long time not only for us but for many football clubs in India. But we have managed so far."
Another club official, however, said it is reportedly running losses to the tune of Rs 1.5 to 2 crore.
"Unless our sponsors provide us necessary financial support, it's not possible for us to go and play the Durand Cup. We will play the tournament only if they help us," the official said.
"Now, because of the AIFF rules, we cannot play the Federation Cup too," he said, referring to their I-League relegation last season that bars the club from participating in the Federation Cup.
Ahmed, however, said the club will participate in next season's Calcutta Football League Premier Division and also the IFA Shield besides taking part in invitational tournaments.
