ISL in big doubt if I-League clubs get ignored, says Bhaichung Bhutia

03/02/2019

Bhaichung Bhutia has expressed concerns over the current state of Indian football stating that I-League repeatedly being ignored hints at a "big question mark" for the Indian Super League. The former Indian captain also suggested a relegation and promotion system between the two leagues.

Despite being introduced to the country five years back, ISL, with all its glitz and glamour, have become the top-flight football league of the country in quite an unspoken manner. I-League’s demotion was not taken well by the fans and to further complicate the situation, their broadcasting has also been slashed to half this season.

The uncertainty has already caused an uproar on the domestic circuit with as many as eight I-League clubs writing a letter to All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel seeking answers concerning their future and also complaining about the AIFF’s marketing partner Football Sports Development Limited’s (FSDL) interference in decision making. And Bhutia sounded worried about how I-League’s fan base has been treated.

"For ISL also, it's very important that clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are there. It's not just the future of I-League. The future of ISL is also in big doubt. There is a big question mark," said Bhutia in an interview with IANS.

With ISL attracting more interest and already on its way “to be branded the top league of the country", Bhutia has suggested the introduction of promotion-relegation system explaining that it would help the cash-rich league attract more eyeballs.

"I think until and unless you have teams like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan and some other teams as well who are very passionate, and have the kind of fan following you don't have in the top league... then the excitement does not really come in. So the ISL also benefits bringing clubs from I-League up. Because I-League clubs have history, passion and fan following," said Bhutia, who had played for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

When asked about the financial differences compared to the I-League clubs like Aizawl FC, Minerva Punjab FC and Chennai City FC, the former footballer stated that a promotion-relegation system would clear those disparities.

"So it's also important to bring relegation and promotion. If you go on promotion and relegation, you don't have to pay franchise fee," he added.