In a heartfelt message to fans, Deepak Singh, the founder of Bunkerhill and a key investor in Mohammedan Sporting Club, expressed his concerns over the club’s participation in the upcoming Indian Super League. The situation appears dire as a crucial investment deal between Bunkerhill, Shrachi Sports and Mohammedan is facing significant roadblocks.
Singh revealed that despite an initial agreement with Shrachi Sports, converting the term sheet into a final agreement has hit multiple snags. One major point of contention is the club’s desire for more control over football operations. While the term sheet proposed equal representation on the board — two members each from MSC, Shrachi Sports and Bunkerhill — the club is now insisting on five members from MSC, leaving only two each for the investors.
“We want our share in the football operations,” Singh stated, emphasising Bunkerhill’s role as an investor. He acknowledged that the disagreement has put the deal in jeopardy.
Additionally, Singh disclosed that the 61 per cent share, which was supposed to be transferred to Bunkerhill, remains untransferred. “You can check this in ROC,” he added, pointing out that the shares are still under the names of some club individuals.
In another point of contention, the club insists that the chairman of the board, which oversees football operations, should be from MSC. This demand has further complicated negotiations.
“Over the last four years, I have invested a lot of money and brought this club to a good stage,” Singh said with a tinge of disappointment. He acknowledged the hard work put in by Bunkerhill and expressed his sadness over the deal’s potential collapse. “I believe in this club, but this deal is not happening due to some wrong expectations in the final stages.”
As things stand, Singh indicated that it is unlikely that the agreement will be signed, which could severely impact Mohammedan SC’s ability to participate in the ISL. “The coming time is very tough,” he admitted, before wishing the club the best of luck in finding a solution.
Rahul Todi, managing director of Shrachi Group, which recently acquired stakes in Mohammedan Sporting, also expressed his concerns. “We are equally disturbed and worried. We want to work but can’t renegotiate terms that were signed upon,” Todi commented.
In conclusion, Singh expressed his deep regret over the situation, emphasising that Bunkerhill had committed to playing in the ISL and had done everything in its power to make that happen. But with the current impasse, Mohammedan SC’s ISL dream hangs in the balance.