AIFF tells worried clubs ‘league will happen’ but no word on ISL

The next edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier football league, was scheduled to start on Sept 14 but has now been paused

Panaji:

TOI

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has assured all top-tier clubs in the country that they will have the same number of matches to compete like previous seasons with the Super Cup expected to take place in September and a top-tier league to follow.The next edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier football league since 2019, was scheduled to start on Sept 14. But with uncertainty over the contract with its marketing partners beyond Dec 8 this year, when the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) concludes, the league has been paused.At least three clubs – Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC -- have suspended operations and put player salaries on hold. Six clubs have not yet started pre-season.“The Super Cup and (top-tier) league both will happen,” AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey told reporters after meeting representatives of clubs in the presence of FSDL, its marketing partners, on Thursday. “We will first have the Super Cup because the clubs have a (financial) commitment towards squads of 30-40 players. They have to plan the season as per the number of matches. We have told them that whatever matches they were supposed to play, it will take place.The Super Cup involves clubs from the top-tier ISL and second division I-League with the winners being offered a spot in AFC Champions League Two playoffs. The domestic tournament previously had a league-cum-knockout format, while last season only 15 teams took part in a knockout format.AIFF said they were willing to introduce a new format for the Super Cup to help clubs save time and costs, though not everyone in the room was convinced.“It makes no sense to play the Super Cup if there is no confirmation about the ISL,” a club CEO toldafter the meeting. “What is the point of assembling a squad only for the Super Cup? There is about Rs 30 crore investment at stake and no owner will be willing to take a risk. There was no assurance on ISL. Kalyan Chaubey and (AIFF vice president) NA Haris only said we will have a league to play.”Given the federation’s history with I-League, one senior club official asked if AIFF could organise a top league without any hitches, if Reliance-led FSDL was not on board.Behind closed doors in the Capital, representatives of clubs met Chaubey and senior AIFF officials which included Haris, treasurer Ajay Kipa, chairperson of the finance committee Menla Ethenpa and chairperson of the league committee Lalnghinglova Hmar.Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal and Odisha all joined the meeting virtually.According to those present at the meeting, clubs were in favour of AIFF and FSDL mutually agreeing a short-term extension to complete the season and then, if both parties agree, sign a long-term deal, depending on the Supreme Court’s order on the draft constitution. Chaubey said the federation didn’t have a problem with an extension, but there were doubts if any agreement would be a violation of the apex court’s oral order.“A short-term extension is the need of the hour. It provides time for everyone to find a permanent solution and save clubs from losing their investments. If there’s no immediate action, more clubs will be forced to suspend operations,” said another CEO.The clubs also wanted AIFF to approach the Supreme Court for an interim order but were told they’ll have to wait till legal opinion is sought.“We all want the judgment to come at the earliest. Nobody is thinking about a delay,” said Haris.At the meeting, clubs voiced their concerns related to the financial implications of a delayed season, or not having the league at all. “AIFF listened to us, sympathised. They also mentioned that the league will happen, but nothing has been resolved yet. The plan is to meet again in about seven to ten days,” said a senior club official, whose team is competing in the Durand Cup.Clubs yet to start pre-season, and with a question mark over their future, were left disappointed since the meeting did not show light for them at the end of what has seemed like a long and dark tunnel.“As of now, club owners will not think twice before taking drastic decisions,” said the official.After the meeting, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur, who was present for the press briefing, said the clubs need time to put their collective thoughts together on the way forward.“You cannot just press a button and then things fall into place. It takes a lot of coordination, a lot of logistical work that needs to happen. So, once we have some clarity on that, like the AIFF president said, we will come back collectively to discuss. We are all here because we want the game to continue,” said Puskur

Click here to read article