I-League: Arrows set to continue as Pailan and AIFF sort out differences

After weeks of speculation, Pailan Arrows have finally been confirmed for the 2013-14 I-League as sponsors Pailan Group and AIFF have sorted out their differences following a meeting in New Delhi on Saturday.

There were strong rumours after the end of the 2012-13 I-League campaign that the AIFF’s developmental side, that was formed as Indian Arrows in 2010, was set to be disbanded as the Indian FA were struggling to find an alternative sponsor with Pailan looking to back out.

But Pailan Group chairman Apurba Saha confirmed through a press release on Saturday, “Whatever little differences we had with the AIFF were sorted out amicably. Pailan Group has settled all financial dues with the AIFF and both parties are now ready to concentrate on the upcoming I-League season with a deep sense of association as before.”

This statement comes after a recent press release from Pailan in which they stated,“AIFF has a long overdue of Rs 44 lakh to help run the FIFA-AIFF Pailan Football Academy. We never said we would not settle the dues but we’re also expecting a payment of Rs 44 lakh.”

That press release was in response to a claim that Pailan owes AIFF 70 lakh but now it seems everything has been resolved with AIFF general secretary Kushal Das saying, “I am very happy that Pailan Arrows continues to be a part of the I-League.”

The news will come as a massive boost for several youngsters, especially after the new four-foreigner rule which would limit first team opportunities of Indian players. But Pailan would be hoping to avoid the controversy of not paying their players on time, something which gave them some unwanted publicity during the 2012-13 campaign.

However, the continuation of Arrows will be a big setback to the transfer plans of several other clubs who were hoping to sign the players who were on contract with the federation’s developmental side. It was also learnt that the Arrows players would be eligible for the upcoming IPL-style league of IMG-R, although official confirmation is awaited.

Sanjoy Sen new head coach?

Former Prayag United and Mohammedan Sporting head coach Sanjoy Sen is likely to take charge of Arrows for the 2013-14 season. If the deal goes through, Sen will be replacing Arthur Papas who has now moved to Dempo.

“We had requested that Sen be appointed as the Pailan Arrows coach for the upcoming season.This has been agreed in principle by the AIFF,” Saha further stated in the release.

A Pailan spokesperson added that Sen had already given his verbal consent and AIFF officials would soon meet the AFC A licensed coach to finalise the deal.