Trying to find solution and not victimize clubs, says Praful Patel
AIFF President Praful Patel has stated that he has been trying to find a solution towards unified league with promotions and regulations and not trying to jeopardize the future of the I-League clubs. Patel has also asked I-League clubs to strengthen themselves financially for future scenarios.
After assuring them previously in the meeting on July 3, Patel has reiterated the same recently where he stated that a unified league could be the only roadmap for India’s football future and the I-League clubs needn’t worry.
Patel had promised the I-League clubs in the meeting that he would be requesting the Asian Football Confederation to let India run the leagues alongside each other. And while the AIFF executive committee on Tuesday even requested the AFC to send a representative to India for the same, Patel has been of the opinion that the confederation wouldn’t accept the current system for long.
“AFC won’t accept a closed league for long. We have to bring in promotion and relegation in three years’ time. It is the reason why I have proposed a three-year status quo for both leagues to run simultaneously despite AFC not willing to allow it,” said Patel, reported TOI.
“I would request the I-League clubs to strengthen themselves financially and otherwise in this period. So when the merging and integration happen according to AFC regulations, they would be in a better position. I am trying to find a solution and not victimise the clubs. They have to understand that. Right now the I-League clubs needn’t worry about their future,” he added.
Despite AIFF signing the Master Rights Agreement by Football Sports Development Limited, Patel has stated that a unified league would be the only ideal way forward. “Exemption has been given only for a few years. We have to have one league with promotion and relegation. AFC won’t agree to a closed league forever. That’s why I am asking for a three-year window. Within that period, we have to find a solution. We can’t encourage a closed league all the time,” he said.
“Then it will mean that there will be only 10 clubs in India. That can’t happen. In three years, I-League will be in a position to thrive and be in a good shape with televised matches. The ideal state would be when a second division club plays in ISL,” he stated.
