Bhutia backs IMG-Reliance league

Bhaichung practicing with John Abraham

Former Indian National team skipper, Bhaichung Bhutia backs the newly formed IMG-Reliance League. Players who have signed for the new league are currently attending a pre-season camp held in Mumbai.

Bhutia said to Business Standard: “I think, the new tournament is great for Indian football. Being the president of the players’ association, I have spoken to the players and they are looking forward to it. I think it will benefit players a lot. More than that, I think it is going to benefit Indian football.

“If you look at last 5-10 years, the way I-League has gone and the way Indian football has, it has not been able to make a big impact. So I think it is important that we have new investors and new teams, new people investing in the game.

“Good, big footballers across the world coming and playing in the two-and-a-half month long tournament, like in IPL. I think that is going to bring a lot of people to the ground, which I-League is struggling at the moment.

“I think it is important that this tournament would bring in people, investors, sponsors and also generate lot of interest and hype for a lot of youngsters who would like to make football their career. Then they can see that they can make a career out of it.

“I own one of the I-league clubs and as an owner I can say it is good for Indian football and will benefit I-league as well, at some time or later. We need to be positive and everybody has to come together so that the tournament goes off well.”

Baichung had mentioned that the I-league has failed to attract much attention. The newly formed league is sure to grab eye-balls.

Most of the I-league clubs have opposed the tournament and are unwilling to release or sign any player involved with the league.