The Odisha government is waiting for East Bengal's response regarding the introduction of the club's residential academy in the state. 

Odisha Football Association’s (OFA) joint-secretary Abhijit Paul when asked on the issue said, “We have sent the proposal to the club that it can set up a residential football academy in our state."

"Now we are waiting for their response. Once they agree and start further negotiation then we will talk to the government regarding the allotment of land and other infrastructure.” 

East Bengal club however has confirmed OFA's proposal, offering them to introduce a football academy, and decided to make the required proceedings in the upcoming days.

However, before taking on Jamshedpur FC in the ongoing ISL against Jamshedpur RC, East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat stated, “Now all the remaining matches in the League are final. We should look at all our remaining matches with such importance. JFC has high intensity." 

He added, "As far as we are concerned, I am expecting a tough match. It is a challenge and we know that. We both are fighting for playoffs. We were the last team to beat them in the Super Cup semi-final and we will try to repeat the same.”

However, the scouting program to spot 30 potential kids across the country for the Fifa-elite academy in Odisha has started. The scouts have been sent to six states to spot 30 footballers of the under-13 age group for the academy. Fifteen under-13 footballers from Odisha are already being groomed at the academy.