Football, trying to cover lost ground over the last few years, is one among many facing a financial crunch. The three-year-old National Football League has also failed to kick off despite a promising start.

Rovers Cup and WIFA Super League champions Bengal Mumbai Football Club (BMFC), which emerged on the national circuit with a professional and positive approach, has decided to cut costs.

Last year, BMFC roped in big stars from all over the country, including Mohun Bagan captain Aloke Das and Tata Football Academy striker Sanjeev Sheikh and five players from Jagatjit Cotton Textiles (JCT). And the budget went sky rocketing.

BMFC managing director (MD) Krishnendu Sen told The Indian Express that the club is planning to curtail its budget for the coming season.

Since players seeking state transfers can fill-in their forms by April 10, Sen is keen on retaining the winning combination. ``I have already spoken with most of theplaying eleven and they are interested in staying.''

BMFC spent almost one and half crore rupees in the inaugural year building the team. Not to forget that they also roped in four Nigerians -- Emeka Achilefu, Abdul Latif Seriki, Musa Alieu and Onyeka Okafor. Sen hinted that the club will now retain only three.

``We are also planning to get two Iranians apart from some local talent. We have earmarked five players, who are from Air-India, Mahindras, Bank of India, Fr Agnel and Maharashtra State Police. We will go for a two or three-year contract,'' informed Sen.

The MD admitted that the club still owed some money to the players. ``But most of them have agreed to our conditions that we will pay them in installments.''

And when asked how the club fell short of money, he commented: ``A few non-resident Indians were initially supposed to put in money but later refused after considering the unstable state of the Indian government and financial status of the market.''

He also added that New India Assurance(Mumbai), who were supposed to be co-sponsors for the team, withdrew at last moment.

When asked about his plans for the coming season, Sen said, ``Ours is a public limited club, so this year we will make sure that we do not go beyond the budget. We are finalising sponsorship for the next season by March 15.''