Some I-League clubs are bringing AIFF to ‘disrepute’, says Kushal Das

There is still no clarity regarding the future of the I-League clubs in India as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is almost certain to go ahead with the one league system from the next season. Seven clubs of the league had boycotted the AIFF Super Cup played earlier this month as a part of their protest against the federation. Meanwhile, Das, the general secretary of the federation, has stated that the action by the clubs will only complicate the issue between them and the AIFF.

"At times, there are clubs, who, on a regular basis, bring the federation to disrepute by saying all kinds of things. That is something not acceptable. No federation in the world would tolerate this kind of things,” Das told IANS.

"The clubs are always free to give their opinion, but cannot malign the parent body. Statements like the AIFF is a sold out body and partial is absolutely not acceptable and strictest measures have to be taken."

Some of the clubs have also complained saying that the federation is working against them and had a demand of setting up a meeting with the AIFF president Praful Patel. Even after getting an assurance of holding a meeting, the seven clubs didn’t turn up for their respective matches in Bhubaneswar. Now, a disciplinary committee will meet in Delhi on 27th and 28th of this month to discuss the matter.

"Instead of coming together to discuss the matter with the federation and our marketing partners, they (the clubs) have almost tried to rebel against the federation. That won't help. They wanted to meet the president and the president had always said he would meet them. In fact, he was busy and was travelling. He sent a communication in this effect. He said he would meet them between April 10 and 15. Now he is upset that the clubs still rebelled against the whole thing and did not play the Super Cup. Not playing football is not a solution. That's absurd.

"By creating negativity, they are shooting themselves in the foot. Indian football has a long way to go and all stakeholders will have to work together to take it forward. Clubs have to be patient," the general secretary added.

Das is satisfied with the format which is all set to be adopted by the AIFF from next season that is having Indian Super League (ISL) as the top league in the country with one as the second tier. He also said that there is no truth in the statements of the I-League clubs where they have accused AIFF of “killing” them.

"There has to be a top league, followed by the next tier. There is no truth in some I-League clubs saying that they are being "killed". While all the national team players are playing in ISL, I-League clubs are also developing players, the emergence of Jobby Justin and (Michael) Soosairai are prime examples. They have now moved to ISL. The clubs have the scope to earn revenue by developing these players. In four-five years' time, there could be relegation/promotion once the contractual obligations (in ISL) are over.

"We do not have a system right now where when a team is relegated, they could be protected like the parachute payment, which is there in major European leagues. In India, the clubs have sponsorship, they have a certain amount of investment, but if they are relegated, many of the sponsors may move away. We have to reach that stage before we introduce changes," Das concluded.