Shrachi Sports announced legendary German football player Mr. Lothar Matthäus, a FIFA World Cup-winning captain and Bundesliga veteran, as the official Ambassador of the Bengal Super League (BSL), a historic decision that would completely change Bengal’s football scene.

The BSL’s goal to improve Bengal’s football ecosystem and forge substantial international partnerships that foster professionalism, player development, and worldwide exposure has reached a major turning point with this announcement.

The press conference, held in Germany, was graced by Mr Lothar Matthäus, FIFA World Cup Winning Captain and Bundesliga Legend, Mr Shatrughna Sinha, Consul General of India in Germany, Mr Dietmar Beiersdorfer, Chief Executive Officer, FC Ingolstadt 04, Kay Dammholz, Director Of Media Rights, DFB, Mr Rahul Todi, Managing Director, Shrachi Sports, Mr Tamal Ghosal, Chairman, Shrachi Sports, Former Indian Footballers, Bhaskar Ganguly & Alvito D’ Cunha, Former Ghanaian Footballer, Suley Musah and Mr Koushik Moulik, Football Philosopher.

“Being here makes me very pleased, and I do not doubt that we will accomplish great things together. Since football is a team sport, our goals necessitate cooperation, dedication, and vision. The Bengal Super League is an ambitious concept with a bright future. We need to put in a lot of effort, work together, and recognize our individual contributions if we want it to succeed. I will support this endeavor with all of my knowledge and experience, but it can only be accomplished by combining our quality, strength, and enthusiasm as a team. We can increase its size and strength with persistent work. As they say, “think locally, act globally,” and the effects will be felt internationally. I’m honored to be a part of this team,” said Mr Lothar Matthäus, FIFA World Cup-winning captain.

One of the most renowned players in world football, Lothar Matthäus, who led Germany to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup and was awarded the Ballon d’Or that year, was given the official BSL jersey, ushering in a new era for Bengal football.

The partnership highlights BSL’s long-term plan to incorporate mentoring, international best practices, and football instruction at all levels. Future collaborations with top German schools and academies position the league to serve as a venue for Bengali youth football players to gain access to top-tier instruction, facilities, and global recognition.

Eight franchise-based teams representing important district clusters around the state will participate in the Bengal Super League, which was introduced in July 2025 and is sanctioned by the Indian Football Association (IFA), later this year. Four district venues will host games, extending professional football outside of Kolkata. As the league gets ready for its debut season, it hopes to give up-and-coming football players a professional stage by fusing Bengal’s rich football heritage with a contemporary, international structure.

Some of the most vibrant and competitive teams in the state will compete in the Bengal Super League, each of which will embody the vibrant local football cultures. Among the participating clubs are Sundarban Bengal TVS FC, Burdwan Blasters, Gaurbanga FC, Adamas 24 Parganas FC, Kopa Tigers Bolpur, North Bengal United FC, Howrah Warriors, and Bidhannagar FC.

The Bengal Super League will honor the region’s athletic heritage while advancing it toward a future characterized by prosperity, professionalism, and cross-border cooperation.

Priyanka Dutta