Chennai City FC finally get prize money three months after winning I-League

Chennai City FC finally get prize money three months after winning I-League

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The All India Football Federation has finally cleared the one crore prize money of Chennai City FC on Thursday three months after they had won it. This occurred on the same day when reports emerged of the AIFF struggling financially with IMG-Reliance delaying in clearing the first installment.

AIFF are facing too many troubles simultaneously and seem to be struggling in coping with them. Amidst the tussle with I-League clubs, who have threatened to take the federation to the court if the Indian Super League (ISL) was made the top tier, and the pressure of marketing partner IMG-Reliance, cash crunch was the last thing they would have wanted.

However, reports emerged on Thursday that IMG-Reliance had taken time in clearing the first installment owing to taxation issues. As per the deal between AIFF and their marketing partner, the federation would be getting an annual payment of Rs 50 crore.

CCFC president Rohit Ramesh has, however, confirmed in a club statement that they received the money in full. “We have received the prize money in full today. Now, we are waiting for our travelling dues and subsidies and hopefully that amount will also be cleared soon,” Rohit said, reported TOI.

While the winners have got their prize money after an open letter to AIFF on Tuesday, league runners-up East Bengal and third-placed Real Kashmir FC are yet to get theirs. Despite the financial impasse seemingly worrying, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das has backed IMG-Reliance. 

"We have always been struggling but we do manage it. Otherwise, how are we conducting the youth leagues across all age-groups, the national camp, Inter-Continental Cup and sending the U-17 women's team for an exposure tour to Hong Kong," Das said, reported TOI.

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