Emami Group exits East Bengal FC as investor

Emami Group on Tuesday officially ended its role as an investor in East Bengal Football Club, transferring all its shares and associated voting rights back to the club, while continuing its association with the red-and-gold outfit as a sponsor.

The development marks the conclusion of Emami's investment and management role at the club, with the group saying it will remain committed to the growth and development of Indian football.

"While stepping away from its investment and management role, it will continue its association with East Bengal Club as a sponsor, supporting the Club and its ongoing sporting ambitions," Emami said in a statement.

"As part of this transition, Emami has transferred all its shares and associated voting rights to East Bengal Club. This marks the conclusion of Emami’s role as an investor and manager of the football club."

That Emami and East Bengal were set to part ways in their investor relationship had been known after the club, under the group’s ownership structure, won their maiden Indian Super League title last season, ending a 22-year wait for the top-tier league crown.

The triumph was followed by a revamp, with coach Oscar Bruzon stepping down and Antonio Lopez Habas taking over as head coach.

Emami has now confirmed that while it is exiting the investment and management structure, it will continue as the club’s principal sponsor.

Emami had entered into an investment agreement with East Bengal in 2022, acquiring a 77 per cent stake in the club.

Its investment and association coincided with a significant period of revival for East Bengal, which returned to the forefront of Indian football across both the men's and women's teams.

The men's team achieved several landmark successes during the partnership, including winning ISL Championship for the first time in 2026.

East Bengal also lifted the Kalinga Super Cup in 2024 and won consecutive Calcutta Football League titles in 2024 and 2025.

The women's team enjoyed an equally successful run, winning the Kanyashree Cup in 2023 before creating history by securing East Bengal's first-ever international title with victory in the inaugural SAFF Women's Club Championship in 2025.

The women's side subsequently strengthened its position as a dominant force in Indian football by winning back-to-back Indian Women's League titles in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

East Bengal's recent resurgence continued on Sunday when the club ended a 22-year wait to win the Durand Cup, defeating arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in a lopsided derby final.

While Emami will no longer have an investment or management role in the club, its continued sponsorship will ensure that the association between the two sides remains in place.

"The Group remains proud of its association with East Bengal and wishes the Club, its players, officials, and supporters continued success in the seasons ahead," the statement added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Bridge Desk. It is published from a syndicated feed.)