Had I-league created value, there was no need of anything else, says Kushal Das

04/25/2019

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das has stated that if I-league had managed to create the value they were expected to, Indian football wouldn't have needed anything else. Das has also added that without the presence of marketing partners FSDL, Indian football would have been in deep trouble.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) has often been accused of playing a role of a“chowkidar” and a question is often raised regarding the body only protecting the newly-found franchises and remains indifferent towards traditional I-League clubs. Several I-league clubs boycotted the Super Cup and came out with the allegation that AIFF was playing in favour of their marketing partners FSDL(Football Sports Development Ltd).

All India Football Federation general secretary Kushal Das has differed from this fact and said that if I-League had managed themselves to create the value they were expected to, Indian football would have not sought for other alternatives.

“However, to be honest, had the I-League created the value everyone was looking for, then there was no need to bring in anything else. You have to understand without the commercial value and the money coming in, it won't work," Das told IANS.

He also added that without the presence of marketing partners FSDL or IMG-R, Indian Football would have been in deep trouble.

“It then had no money, had no television coverage and the creditors were calling up every second day. I am telling you that had not IMG-R come forward and supported us, then Indian football could have been in deep trouble,” the general secretary explained.

"We must not be uncharitable to IMG-R or FSDL. They have invested money and yes, while the model they have brought in is a franchise based model, there are big corporates coming forward…..there is JSW, there is CESC, there are others. They have come in and have joined hands to support football. It was not happening earlier. They have created a buzz. The start of the ISL has definitely helped. The buzz may have gone down a little bit as we are trying to find ways but it is definitely the right model.”

He opposed the general fact that the AIFF is completely run by their marketing partners and rather they only share marketing matters.

“They do not interfere in any other policy matter. Sadly, it is a perception that has been created and is not helping Indian football. In the last five-six years, Indian football has moved ahead... youth leagues have been created and it is progressing in under-13, under-15, baby league etc”.

“The national team is doing well, their ranking has improved, the viewership has increased. There is hardly any reason to create this negativity. It is not even helping anyone -- not even those who are spreading it," Das concluded.

Had I-league created value, there was no need of anything else, says Kushal Das

Get updates! Follow us on

Comments

0 Comments