I-League was not successful: Baichung Bhutia
Former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan striker Baichung Bhutia, who currently holds an advisory role to the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF), has claimed that the I-League has failed to draw fans, or media, to the stadium - something which the Indian Super League (ISL) has excelled in.
"Let's be honest, I-League was not successful and that's why ISL came. Football fans were not coming to watch I-League matches, the media do not want to cover them (I-League matches)," Bhutia was quoted as saying by PTI, at an event organised by Confederation of Indian Industries on Saturday.
The former Indian international went on to state that the reason behind ISL's existence is the failure of I-League.
"Had I-League been successful, the ISL would not have been there. I-League failed and that's why ISL was started and we have seen that it (ISL) has been a success so far," he added.
Bhutia's multiple roles within Indian football and the AIFF has recently raised questions of conflict of interest. The 39-year-old, in addition to his advisory role, is also the chairman of AIFF's technical committee, consultant with the ISL franchise Atletico de Kolkata, President of the Football Players' Association of India (FPAI) and director of a player management agency named 'The Football Edge'.
With I-League clubs struggling for survival, there have been talks about a merger between the two leagues, but reports suggest that the ISL franchises are not too keen about it.
The former Indian captain has also ruled out the possibility of a merger in immediate future.
"I would want to have ISL. Next year, I feel that ISL should have six Indians, instead of the five currently. In another two or three years, the number of foreigners should be reduced to four which is the current rule in the I-League. Only then we can think of a merger between the two leagues," he added.
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