I-League clubs accept most AIFF demands but want ACL spot
After the much-awaited meeting between Praful Patel and the I-League clubs came to an amicable end, the clubs have accepted most of AIFF’s proposal but won’t be compromising on the ACL spot. Minerva Punjab owner Ranjit Bajaj has stated that I-League clubs’ sole demand is justified.
The meeting took place under intense pressure from both the sides and quite surprisingly the protesting I-League clubs have agreed to most of the proposals put forward by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). However, they have refused to give away their AFC Champions League spot to the Indian Super League winner.
Prior to the meeting, reports had emerged that the AIFF executive committee meeting, which has now been postponed to July 9, would declare ISL to get the ACL spot and I-League, the AFC Cup spot. While, the conclusion didn’t extensively come out after I-League clubs’ meeting with Patel, but the clubs have clearly stated that they are not in favour of the direct swap between the AFC spots.
In a statement released by the clubs following the meeting, they clarified it. “However, the clubs are not in favour of giving away their rightfully earned and longstanding AFC Champions league spot till a proper plan for the unified league is initiated. The United I-League clubs insist that the AFC Champions League spot must remain with the I-League as it is the I-League clubs that have (over the years) earned the AFC spots for India to enjoy today. The AIFF has already granted AFC Cup slot to ISL in 2017 and the same arrangement should continue till there is one unified league,” it read, reported Goal.
"The I-League clubs also suggest that these crucial decisions and developments should be clearly put in front of all parties (AFC, FIFA, FSDL) in the interest of Indian football. It is recommended that a tri-partite agreement clearly outlining the way forward, be signed among AIFF, I-League clubs and FSDL for the upcoming three years to avoid recurring confrontations among the stakeholders.
"In conclusion, I-League clubs grateful for the meeting and ready to agree to all the suggestions made by the President for the way forward, except for giving away of our rightful AFC champions league spot,” it further added.
The clubs have agreed to the obscure two league arrangement for another couple of seasons till everything would be sorted out. They have also agreed that sacrifice would need to be made by all the stakeholders of the federation for the welfare of Indian football, as was mentioned in their statement.
"The President suggested that he would approach the AFC to continue with the two league situation for at least another 2-3 till a proper solution for the unified league is finalised and implemented. Issues regarding the broadcast and scheduling of I-League for the coming season were also addressed."
"The President made it clear that given the current situation of Indian football, sacrifices will have to be made by all stakeholders be it ISL, I-League or others. AIFF as a body has to keep the interests of all its stakeholders in mind before taking any step. He praised the investments and contribution of the ISL since its inception in 2014 and expressed their justified desire of recognition from AFC as a proper league as currently, the ISL holds the status of national knock out cup competition, not the top division league.”
One of the primary demands of I-League clubs apart from their preventing their demotion was the improvement and availability of their telecasting and the AIFF President agreed to it.
The AIFF president had agreed to improve the quality of the broadcast of I-League games and sort out issues regarding fixture schedules. Patel also wished to continue with the existing arrangement of a two-league system for three more years.
"After the meeting with the President, the I-League clubs reconvened to discuss and deliberate on the suggestions of the President. In the spirit of compromise, I-League clubs agree to the broadcast plan and scheduling plans for the upcoming season even though it is not ideal," it added.
Minerva Punjab owner Ranjit Bajaj even stated that awarding the ACL spot to I-League made total sense than ISL. "I think all our demands are justified. I-League is already recognised by AFC as the top league, so we are already an 'AFC product'. There's no reason that we should surrender the top spot," he said, reported Goal.
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