What’s the story?
As the fans of Aizawl FC partied late into the night yesterday, there must have a pervading sense of unease sweeping the little state in North East India. Aizawl won the most coveted trophy in Indian football, but they might never have the chance to defend it.
The widely-documented story of Aizawl has been a big advert for India’s top division. The Mizoram outfit were relegated last season, having finished eighth. Later, they got their top-flight status restored when the AIFF handed them a way back to the I-League as a few Goan clubs reached roadblocks in their talks with the governing body.
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The context
As they were reinstated, it was a remote possibility that Aizawl would win — even challenge — for the title. Yet, eight months on, the little club have done what most clubs can only dream of. They won the I-League title in what was one of the fascinating stories in football. Going into the final game of the season yesterday, they needed just a point, and a point was what they got in their 1–1 draw in Shillong against Shillong Lajong.
Amid the euphoria, however, there are dark clouds approaching Aizawl. The AIFF and IMG-Reliance, the bodies which make the commercial Indian Super League (ISL) happen, have been contemplating a merger of the I-League with the ISL for quite a while now.
The heart of the matter
The two organisations wish to have only three clubs from the I-League playing in the retooled ISL, and those are the more glamorous teams of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Bengaluru FC. That there is a possibility of Aizawl not playing in India’s top league despite being the champions is a poor reflection of the decision-makers of Indian football. Furthermore, the absence of promotion and relegation in the ISL means Aizawl won’t play top-flight football for the foreseeable future.
It is not all about money in football. Aizawl’s success is an example that clubs can win titles by beating their opponents on the pitch and beating the budget off it. Aizawl won the title working on a fraction of the big clubs’ budget. Instead of receiving appreciation for their historic triumph, the Redshirts are already left disappointed.
What’s next?
Aizawl will represent India in next season’s AFC Champions League, and it is hard to fathom they will be playing in the second division while fighting it out in Asia. Nowhere on this planet will we find the champions getting relegated for not being rich but India. We have already seen the AIFF paying no heed to Aizawl’s request for the appointment of neutral referees, hence it doesn’t seem far-fetched that they will consign the champions to the background.
Author’s take
The ISL is aiming to become a commercial behemoth in the years to come, but leaving aside a vital essence of football — romance — will make their product more mechanical and less beautiful game. Indian football needs Aizawl in the top division, but its power-brokers might have other ideas. Every day isn’t a sunny day in Aizawl.
