What’s the news?
The future of the I-League is the most hotly discussed topic in Indian football right now, and the Indian Football Association (IFA) has weighed in on the issue as well. Speaking to journalists on Friday, the IFA Secretary Utpal Dutta said,”They are trying to end football. The conditions that have been levied upon the two Kolkata giants are unreasonable and irrational. The IFA is older than the AIFF and we will form a rebel league if needed, and those clubs which are being victimised now will play in it.”
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The IMG-Reliance and the All India Football Federation are attempting to merge the decade-old I-League with the Indian Super League and have decided to feature the eight ISL franchises as well as the Big Three of Indian football, namely East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC.
However, the I-League outfits will be required to fulfil some stringent criteria and pay hefty fees, something that has been deemed unacceptable by them. Interestingly, they are supposed to meet AIFF officials in Mumbai today to decide the future of the “merged league”.
The heart of the matter
According to well-informed sources, the IFA’s idea of forming a rebel league has got the backing of several big clubs including the Bengal powerhouses and I-League 2016/17 champions Aizawl FC.
Also read: Aizawl FC threaten to launch worldwide protests, hunger strike if they are relegated
While speaking on the same topic, Mr. Dutta also ridiculed the “One City One Club” rule in the ISL, stating that the city of London has nine clubs in the English Premier League. According to him, rules can be modified if needed and the AIFF should do the same.
What’s next?
If a decision is not arrived at during the discussion in Mumbai today, it is highly probable that we might get to see a rebel league in India very soon. Interestingly, the likes of Mohammedan SC and United SC may also feature in the IFA-conceived league, which will probably end up featuring more than 12 teams.
Author’s Take
The ICL – India’s rebel cricket league – did not end well, and it is likely that the IFA-backed league will suffer the same fate. Moreover, having two different leagues once again will defeat the purpose of the current “merger”.
A sensible discussion on this delicate issue needs to happen, and representatives from all the clubs need to participate in it. A merged league only works when there is complete backing from all quarters, and in this case, it would mean featuring all the franchises and I-League outfits in the ISL, as well as keeping a promotion and relegation system. Only time will tell how this pans out though.
