PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club one of the India’s most successful football club could make a comeback to the National League as the club officials have ‘given a thought’ to get back where they belong –I-League.
“We are having a thought of making a comeback. But it’s a long process. We have to write to AIFF and see whether they would take us or no. There are lot of formalities we will have to do,” said a source close to the club.
Relegated in the year 2015 following a dismal performance, Dempo SC earned their way back into I-League in the next season after clinching Second Division I-League title, only to withdraw from the league following their protests against the AIFF’s proposed roadmap in 2016.
Speaking to Herald on the condition of anonymity, a Dempo Sports Club official revealed that the club president is considering a move back to I-League. “It’s just a thought, but nothing is concrete. Our boss has just given us a clue. But I can’t say anything now,”
Five-time National Champions are currently plying their trade in the Goa’s top tier league –Goa Pro League and are currently in second position behind leaders Sporting Clube de Goa –who also withdrew from I-League for the same reason.
“We have been nearly spending the same amount in the Goa league, what some clubs spend in the recently concluded I-League. And the Goa league isn’t taking us anywhere,” the official said.
It is learnt that Dempo SC spent an estimated Rs. 1.7 cr for the senior team while they spend another estimated Rs. 2.3 cr for their youth development project. However, it is known that other I-League clubs have spent around Rs. 2.5 cr in the recently concluded season.
With the relegation of the Churchill Brothers FC in the recently concluded league, Dempo SC’s return to the league could be Goa’s only hope.
Though they have the idea and thought of going back, the official claimed that there is a long way ahead in getting things sorted out.
“Now that the season is coming to an end, and with the transfer window opening shortly, if we are considering the move back to I-League, we will have to make sure the players remain with us and if need be, then sign some better players,” revealed the club official.
“We will be able to confirm on the same in the coming weeks after the discussion with the club president,” said the official.
Having nothing to lose, Dempo SC’s return to the I-League will restore the Goan pride and also give a platform to emerging Goan talent to draw the eye of other National and ISL clubs.
