Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Bruzon blames lack of clarity behind East Bengal exit
Oscar Bruzon is a football coach who used to work for a club called East Bengal.
Last season, his team won a big league championship for the first time in 22 years.
Even after winning, Bruzon decided to leave the club.
He says the club left it too late to sort out contracts for players and coaches.
Money problems at the club and a sponsor leaving also made it hard to plan.
He told the club's leaders to make decisions that help the whole team, not just a few people.
Bruzon now coaches a club called Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC in Indonesia.
He also talked about a special match between India and Brazil coming in October.
He said one exciting match will not make Indian football much better by itself.
Real improvement comes from training young players and having a long-term plan.
Former East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon left the club despite winning the ISL title last season, the club's first national championship in 22 years.
Bruzon said unresolved contracts, financial uncertainty and sponsors Emami pulling out drove his decision not to continue.
He advised officials to make decisions in the team's interests rather than to serve the interests of a few individuals.
Bruzon, now coaching Indonesia's Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC, made the comments to The Telegraph from Solo, Java Central.
He called the much-awaited India-Brazil friendly at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3 limited in impact, urging youth development and a long-term strategy instead.
- Who
- Oscar Bruzon, former head coach of East Bengal, who now coaches Indonesia's Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC.
- What
- Bruzon explained why he left East Bengal despite winning the ISL title, blaming a lack of clarity, delayed contracts and financial uncertainty, and questioned how much a lone India-Brazil friendly will help Indian football.
- When
- After East Bengal's ISL title win last season; the India-Brazil friendly he discussed is scheduled for October 3.
- Where
- East Bengal (India); Bruzon spoke from Solo, Java Central, Indonesia; the friendly is set for Salt Lake Stadium.
- Why
- The contract situation was not resolved within the window that mattered, financial uncertainty at the club prevailed, and sponsor Emami pulled out, making it impossible to plan the next cycle.
Supporters of the friendly
Bruzon's view
Impact of the India-Brazil friendly on Indian football
Supporters of the friendly
The match is much-awaited and likely to draw a full house at Salt Lake Stadium; such games generate revenue, create a memorable occasion and can inspire players, coaches, supporters and the next generation.
Bruzon's view
Bruzon says one friendly alone has limited impact; real progress comes from youth development, stronger domestic competitions, coach education and a consistent long-term strategy.
- Head coach
- Oscar Bruzon (former), East Bengal
- Achievement
- ISL title; first national championship in 22 years
- Reasons for exit
- Unresolved contracts, financial uncertainty, Emami's withdrawal
- Current club
- Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC (Indonesia)
- Interview source
- The Telegraph, from Solo, Java Central
- Upcoming match
- India vs Brazil friendly, October 3, Salt Lake Stadium
- Bruzon's verdict on friendly
- Limited impact without long-term development