Will consider all measures to protect the interests of football in India: AFC

The impasse surrounding Indian football has hit the ecosystem hard with players, officials, administrators and support staff on the edge

TOI

Panaji: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is not too pleased with the current impasse in Indian football and has called on all relevant parties to “act without delay in the best interests of Indian football and its future.”The AFC said it is “deeply concerned with the continuing lack of resolution on two fundamental matters” affecting Indian football: the alignment of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Statutes with India’s newly enacted sports law, and the suspension and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ISL.“We firmly believe it is essential that a clear and timely way forward is established to ensure the stability, credibility, and effective governance of Indian football,” AFC general secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John toldon Friday. “The alignment of the AIFF Statutes with national legislation is critical to safeguarding the federation’s governance and compliance structures, while the ISL’s central contribution to the development and professionalisation of football in India must be secured.”The impasse surrounding Indian football has hit the ecosystem hard with players, officials, administrators and support staff on the edge. The AFC is keeping a close eye on happenings in India, and has warned that it will have to take “necessary measures” if there’s no early resolution.“While the AFC remains committed to working constructively with all stakeholders, we will not hesitate to consider all necessary measures to protect the interests of the game should these issues remain unresolved,” said Datuk Seri Windsor John.The next edition of the ISL was scheduled to start on Sept 14. But with uncertainty over the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) which ends on Dec 8 this year, 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 Supreme Court on Friday allowed the AIFF and FSDL to start discussions over the MRA. In April, the apex court had made an oral observation that the renewal of the agreement should not be done until its final order.AIFF and FSDL will now try to reach an agreement that will see clarity over the next edition of the ISL.A special bench, comprising Justice Sri PS Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, have set the date for the next hearing on August 28.FSDL has argued in court that since approximately Rs 150 crore is invested annually in the league, it is not feasible to plan on a year-to-year basis. The marketing partners said the league needs long-term planning, keeping logistics, infrastructure, and financial commitments in mind.Meanwhile, the Supreme Court told stakeholders that the order on the AIFF Constitution case is already ready and will be delivered after taking into consideration provisions of the National Sports Governance Act.

Click here to read article