Co-operating with AIFF only solution, FIFA tells I-League clubs

I-League clubs have exhausted all their resources in their attempt to stop the AIFF from going down in the second tier with the last resort being the FIFA. However, after the world football body enquired the AIFF about it, they have also come to the solution that the short term is the only solution to pave way for the long run.

“It was clear that there are numerous aspects of the recommendations that still require further consideration prior to them being implemented. We understand that based on this, the AIFF President has met the clubs and suggested a short-term solution until a more sustainable long-term solution can be found following continued consultation with all stakeholders,” said Mattias Grafstrom, Fifa’s acting deputy secretary general said.

“We therefore strongly believe that the AIFF is best placed to do this and we are confident that a thorough and effective process can be managed by the AIFF in its role as the governing body for football in India. Fifa, together with the AFC, remains available to assist and support the AIFF with this process and it will be important that all clubs work closely with the AIFF as the cooperation of all stakeholders will be fundamental to ensuring that the best way forward for top-level football in India is found,” the letter further read.

Kushal has welcomed Fifa’s take on the solution stating that their solution was always the most feasible option and they couldn’t suddenly expand the ISL to 16 teams.

“Clubs can only come through meritocracy and and they have to provide financial guarantees that the league doesn’t suffer in the event of a club shutting down. They ought to fulfill all the criteria. We can’t just support a 16-team expansion,” he added.