IMG-Reliance is our commercial partner and has a say in a few things, clarifies Kushal Das
ISL
After all the allegations of the AIFF acting as per the directions of IMG-Reliance, Kushal Das has brushed aside those and said that they have a say in a few things as the commercial partners. The AIFF general secretary has clarified his association with IMG before joining AIFF in 2010.
With the Indian Super League, promoted by IMG-Reliance all set to become the top-most league of the country very soon, there is an increase in public's criticism and accusations about the AIFF working as per the directions of their commercial partners IMG-Reliance. Meanwhile, AIFF general secretary has now kept himself away from those allegations saying that IMG-Reliance only has a say in âcommercial issuesâ.
âThey are our commercial partners and have a say in a few things in terms of mainly commercial issues. But they have never interfered in any judicial body decision making or in standing committee meetings. For example (Reliance Sports CEO) Sundar (Raman) was part of the technical committee and, just like any other members in any other body, he just asked his questions but did not try to influence,â Das told PTI.
âYes, if the commercial rights are anywhere affected then they will of course be involved because the commercial rights are owned by them and it is fair for them to say that.â
In a series of tweets earlier, Minerva Punjab owner Ranjit Bajaj had raised questions over Dasâ conflict of interest as he was an employee of IMG-Reliance before joining the AIFF. However, Das has made his point clear by saying that he was a part of IMG and not of IMG-Reliance and he also worked with the ICC before taking the charge in the football federation. Â
âWhen I was with IMG there was no joint venture with Reliance. Joint venture with Reliance happened after I left (IMG). Then I went to ICC and during that time they formed the joint venture, which was called IMG-Reliance.
âThe management of IMG at that time was completely different because IMG was sold to another guy. The allegation that I worked for IMG-Reliance is absolutely false. From the ICC, I came to AIFF because (former BCCI president) Mr. (Sharad) Pawar had told me âwhat are you doing here, Indian football has got some interesting developments, why donât you come hereâ,â Das signed off.
