East Bengal Players Boycott Training Over Unpaid Salaries Ahead of ISL Opener

East Bengal's preparations for their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) campaign were hit by an off-field setback after the players boycotted training on Wednesday, October 14, over three months of unpaid salaries, following their defeat to Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League Two.

The players reported to the training ground in Kolkata but decided against taking part in the session in protest against the outstanding payments. The club's staff members have also reportedly not received their salaries for the past three months.

The development comes at a difficult time for East Bengal, who are attempting to put their continental disappointment behind them and shift their focus towards the domestic season. The training boycott has raised fresh questions about the club's preparations ahead of their ISL 2026-27 opener against Churchill Brothers in Goa.

Financial Emergency in East Bengal

Since Emami's departure as the primary investor, the Torch Bearers have struggled financially amid the absence of any major investors. As the ISL season starts, the club has been struggling and was unable to pay the salaries for the last three months.

"No one has got anything for the last three months. Even the small amounts haven't been cleared. The players decided not to train because of that, and the club hasn't really communicated much," a source told MyKhel on condition of anonymity.

MyKhel also understands the pressure was brewing since last month, just before the IFA Shield, where there was disgruntlement within the squad over the salary issues. It has since only grown, and the East Bengal management's inability to pay further escalated the matter. Not just the first team players, even academy and U23 players are yet to get their dues. On Wednesday, all players were in unison over boycotting training further before they get their dues, much to the dismay and embarrassment of the club.

East Bengal Working to Clear Players' Dues

East Bengal are understood to be making efforts to clear the majority of the players' outstanding salaries by Thursday, October 15, in a bid to resolve the situation before the team's opening ISL fixture.

The club will be keen to restore normality within the squad and ensure that the salary dispute does not disrupt preparations further. However, the pending payments have already led to a protest from the players, who chose not to train despite turning up at the designated venue.

It is to be seen how things pan out, but the Kolkata club will have to bounce back not just on the field, but in the accounts book as well.