Top I-League club United SC's future uncertain

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jul 08 2013 | 6:20 PM IST
After AIFF's development side Arrows, another major I-League outfit, United Sports Club's future has been thrown into uncertainty thanks to absence of sponsors.
The Kolkata-based club's problems started after it lost its financially-hit sponsors Prayag as a fallout of the chit-fund scam in Bengal.
"We are going through problems as far as sponsors are concerned. Prayag is no more our sponsors and we have struggling ever since," team director Nabab Bhattacharya told PTI from Kolkata.
Even as the fear of the club closing down looms, Bhattacharya said they will try their level best to rope in a sponsor before the seventh edition of the I-League kicks off later this year.
"There is no question of closing down. We are confident of getting a sponsor before the league," Bhattacharya said when asked if the club would shut shop if it failed to rope in a sponsor.
The club, which is home to some of the top I-League players including long-standing Nigerian striker Ranty Martins, has been on the lookout for sponsors for over two months.
Former Dempo SC star Ranty has scored over 150 goals in the league.
Sources close to United SC said that the club has not been able to convince the sponsors.
Bhattacharya added that a few political leaders have also pledged their support to the club.
On Ranty, who had in the past expressed his desire to stay on at the club, Bhattacharya said it "was difficult to say anything until and unless things are resolved.
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First Published: Jul 08 2013 | 6:20 PM IST

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