5 reasons why the I-League-ISL merger will be harder than it sounds

#3 The fan base will be divided

ATK had a hard time drawing crowds despite performing so well

This will be a major problem, specifically for Atletico de Kolkata. The two-time ISL champions already had a hard time drawing sizeable crowds during their triumph last season, and it will only get tougher if the Red and Gold Brigade and the Mariners feature in the same competition.

The Kolkata derby is one of the most passionate games in world football, and it is hard to believe that a 3-year-old part-time footballing franchise will be able to prise away fans who have been supporting East Bengal or Mohun Bagan for generations now.

Mr. Sanjiv Goenka, ATK’s principal owner is well aware of the predicament his side could face in case such a situation arises, and that is probably why he objected to the merger in the first place as well.