Quess parts ways with East Bengal citing COVID-19 pandemic

The CEO of Quess East Bengal issued a letter to its contracted players announcing that Quess Corp Limited is making a premature cessation of its professional contract.

East Bengal players had their contracts terminated by the club citing ‘Force Majeure’ in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the premature conclusion of the Indian football season by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) owing to the prevalent coronavirus pandemic, Quess East Bengal has announced its dissolution applying a similar 'Force Majeure Clause‘.

The CEO of Quess East Bengal, Sanjit Sen, issued a letter to its players (2019-2020 season) announcing that Quess Corp Limited, which so far had the majority stake in the team, is making a premature cessation of its professional contract.

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It is a big blow to the players and officials who now have their existing contracts terminated. It is learnt that some domestic players and couple of foreign players, including Jaime Santos, and Carlos Nodar are on long term contracts. It remains to be seen how the new entity handles it.

FIFA has issued revised guidelines giving countries and clubs to determine their new contract system with the players.

"In the light of the current situation and as per directives received from the principal shareholder Quess Corp Limited, we regret to intimate to you the premature cessation of your professional contract with Quess East Bengal FC under the ‘Force Majeure Clause‘ of the agreement. The Cessation will be effective 30th April 2020 and this will imply that your prorated monthly salary will be payable till the effective date of cessation by Quess East Bengal FC. You are requested to consider this email as official communication for the stated matter," the CEO's letter conveyed.

The players were supposed to receive salary till May end but will have to make do with a month less under the altered circumstances.

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"The current football season, 2019-20, is incidentally also the last season before the cessation and dissolution of Quess East Bengal FC, the JV Sports Management company between Quess Corp Ltd. and East Bengal Club. Due to this unprecedented condition, Quess East Bengal FC Pvt. Ltd. will be hence rendered unable to carry out its principle objective of managing and running football matters which is the underlying principle objective of its existence," Quess Corp's letter said, formally ending its ties with East Bengal.