Newly promoted ISL club Diamond Harbor FC is under investigation, says WB Sports Minister

Indian Football League (IFL) champions Diamond Harbor Football Club will be investigated for illegal practices and finances, West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik told reporters on Friday.

«Many complaints have been received against Diamond Harbor FC. Questions have been raised as to whether the club was established in accordance with the prescribed rules. There are also allegations regarding the source of the club’s funds and the manner in which the money is spent. All these aspects are being investigated,» Pramanik told reporters.

«The club’s sponsors may also be called for discussions. We will investigate where the money for the club comes from and how that money is provided.»

Launched in 2022, DHFC is owned by Abhishek Banerjee, a Trinamool Congress MP and also the national general secretary of the political party.

The football club has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past four years, through I-League 3 and I-League 2, to now win the IFL and gain promotion to the Indian Super League, the top tier of men’s football in the country.

Pramanik explained that there were also complaints about the club’s training ground.

«The process of freeing that land from encroachment has already been completed. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, which will be made public very soon,» he said.

«We want every club to perform well and make progress. But if any club is found to be engaging in illegal activities, this will not be tolerated under any circumstances,» he added.

The investigation also casts further doubt on the club’s participation in the ISL. So far, three clubs – Punjab FC, Mohammedan Sporting and Inter Kashi – have played in the top flight after promotion from the I-League, which is now being rebranded as IFL.

Published on June 6, 2026