Indian Arrows to Shift Base

With the fate of Indian Arrows still hanging in balance as the flagship initiative of AIFF is struggling to find sponsorship, the team however is confirmed to move out of the Capital in all probability. The team was formed last year by the federation to give the U-21 players a chance to stay together as a team an expose them to top tier competition by giving them direct entry to the I-league. The team was formed with keep an eye on the 2018 world cup qualifier which begins in 2015.

According to AIFF general secretary, Kushal Das, poor interest from sponsors in the city has prompted the move. “Yes Indian Arrows in all probability will be moving out of the capital as the cost incurred in maintaining them here is huge. AIFF would rather spend the money at the grassroots and other activities,” he said.

AIFF is not interested to sell off the team as that would dampen its motive of preparing the boys for 2018 FIFA WC qualifier. Instead it is in search of a sponsor who would allow the federation to still manage the club for the next five years before handing over the full reins to ensure that the developmental programme they initiated remains in existence.

It was reported few days back that Kolkata based Pailan group and Pune based politician and Secy. of the famous Bharatiya Vidyapeeth University, Dr. Viswajeet Kadam were interested for the sponsorship but no concrete agreement has still been signed yet.

“We are keeping our options open. The Kolkata group, though, has given positive vibes,” said Das. “As of now the team’s new center is not yet confirmed but it will be based in an area where it gets good financial support,” added the general secretary.

The AIFF was struggling to maintain the team within its Rs.7 crore annual budget as it shells out Rs.11 lakh a month as rent for the self-contained resort where the players are lodged in Gurgaon. And the players get paid between Rs.20 lakh-Rs.25 lakh a year. Domestic carrier Indigo picks up tabs for air travel of the team for I-League matches.

However it is still uncertain as to what will happen to the team if a conclusive agreement is not reach out between AIFF and the said parties. Meanwhile AIFF have already released the 11 players they had forcefully asked the clubs to release for this project last season.