East Bengal deepens as Habas, players reportedly boycott training sessions over unpaid salaries

East Bengal’s preparations for the new Indian Super League (ISL) season have been interrupted after head coach Antonio Lopez Habas and first team players reportedly boycotted training on Wednesday, October 14, over unpaid salaries.

According to reports, the players arrived at the training ground but refused to participate until their outstanding fees were settled. The delay in salaries should also apply to foreign players, coaches, members of the academy and players under the age of 23.

MyKhel reported that the club is working to clear most of the outstanding wages by Thursday, October 15. However, the payments and the resumption of normal training have not been independently confirmed at the time of writing.

There have also been claims that East Bengal has nearly 4 million rupees in its bank account but cannot access or use the funds due to an outstanding issue. This claim remains unverified and the exact nature of the alleged restriction is unclear.

EMAMI EXIT INCLUDES INVESTMENT QUESTIONS

The reported salary crisis comes amid uncertainty over East Bengal’s financial support following the exit of the Emami Group as an investor in the club. On 25 August 2026, the company ended its investment and management role, transferring its shares and associated voting rights back to the club, while retaining its association as sponsor.

Emami joined East Bengal in 2022 as its majority investor after the club’s investment arrangement with Shree Cement ended. The partnership helped the club strengthen its squad and compete for major honours, including the Kalinga Super Cup in 2024 and back-to-back Calcutta Football League titles in 2024 and 2025.

The end of Emami’s investor role raised questions about the club’s ability to secure a sustainable financial background. Although the company continues as a sponsor, reported salary delays underscore the urgency of finding a stable financial arrangement.

RECENT RESULTS ADD PRESSURE

The uncertainty off the pitch follows a difficult week for Habas’ side. East Bengal lost 1-0 to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the IFA Shield final On October 8, the decisive goal was scored by Samir Zeljkovic. The defeat came after East Bengal defeated North East United 7–2 in the semi-finals.

Then they suffered a 3–2 defeat against Iraq’s Al Shorta in AFC Champions League Two On 13 October, David Hmar scored twice to put East Bengal in the lead on two occasions, but the Indian side could not prevent their opponents from securing victory.

East Bengal will begin their ISL campaign against Churchill Brothers in Goa on October 18, followed by a league match against Inter Kashi on October 23. He will return to continental action against Oman’s Al-Seeb on October 27.

With three games in two competitions coming up, resolving the pay dispute and resuming normal training will be key. Apart from the immediate crisis, East Bengal also needs to ensure a sustainable financial background to prevent further disruption during the season.

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