I-League: Mumbai FC Trio Put In Their Papers

Mumbai FC has been in the news for all the wrong reasons having been hit hard by the financial crisis which has cast a doubt over the future of many players and officials included.

On Thursday, the management held a meeting first at their Worli office to decide the future course and thereby conveyed the same to the players at their Kandivali office where the trio were absent.

Mukul Choudhari, Business Development and Marketing Head, informed Goal.com that the club won’t shut its shutters as claimed by many.

“We aren’t closing down and the salaries of all the players shall be paid on time. As far as next season is concerned, we would indeed downsize the squad,” said Choudhari.

It is believed that many senior players would and have begun looking at other options as they feel that Mumbai FC wouldn’t be able to put up a competitive side and only those shall remain at the club who don’t have offers from other clubs. Mumbai FC have already begun negotiations with the players regarding their contracts for the coming season.

When contacted Henry Menezes earlier yesterday about the management meeting, the former Mahindra United manager asked all queries to be put to Mukul Choudhari henceforth, which was a clear indication of his resignation.

David Booth had held a meeting with the players earlier this week and told them to move on if they do get better opportunities. To certain close confidantes, he already mentioned of his decision to leave as did Henry Menezes.

At the end of the 2006-07 season, Henry Menezes parted ways with Mahindra United to join Mumbai FC and did enough to lure assistant coach Arshad Hussain as well. Menezes roped in former Mahindra United coach David Booth and thus Mumbai FC was a haven for all ex-Mahindra United men which included the likes of Abhishek Yadav, Kalia Kulothungan, Khalid Jamil and others.

Meanwhile, it is believed that U-19 coach Khalid Jamil has been asked to take over the team temporarily.  

Rahul Bali.