Mallya steps down as Bagan director to meet AFC criteria

Kolkata: In order to meet the Asian Football Confederation club licensing criteria before the December 31 deadline, liquor baron Vijay Mallya has stepped down as director and chairman of Mohun Bagan.

Mallya was holding the same post of director in both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, which was not permitted under AFC licensing criteria if the two clubs want to take part in AFC competitions. "Mallya has resigned from his post," Mohun Bagan general secretary and managing director Anjan Mitra told reporters. "His son, Sidhartha V Mallya has been appointed as an additional director of the company," Mitra said about the move that was taken in their Board of Directors meeting here on December 16. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are sponsored by two different subsidiaries -- McDowell and Kingfisher respectively -- belonging Vijay Mallya-owned United Breweries Group. "We have intimated this to the AFC and soon we will also inform them about the appointment of an `A` license coach," Mitra said.Mitra, however, said there would be no change in the name of the club that will remain as United Mohun Bagan Football Team Pvt Ltd. In another move to meet the AFC guidelines, Mohun Bagan are likely to rope in ONGC`s Sujit Chakraborty as their coach. Sujit is an AFC `A` license holder, as required under the AFC club licensing criteria. According to sources, Mohun Bagan are in talks with Chakraborty, who is currently at the helm of ONGC. "He has an AFC `A` licence and has already worked with the IFA academy in Haldia. An official announcement is most likely to be made by December 25," said a source. Mohun Bagan have already appointed Subhas Bhowmick as their technical director. AFC has set a deadline of December 31 to fulfil the licensing criteria. Any club which does not fulfil these crieria will not be allowed to play in the I-League 2011-12. PTI