Chandigarh
18 November 2024
DIVYA AZAD
The I-League Clubs Association (ILCA) came out to address important concerns about the upcoming I-League season. The decisions taken by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have worsened the situation, putting the stability and future of the league at risk.Ranjit Bajaj said on behalf of all the clubs, “We have come here not to boycott the league but to make reasonable demands for the players, fans and the future of Indian football. Without proper broadcast and support from the AIFF, our league cannot survive.”
These issues were discussed:
- Broadcast crisis: He said that only a few days are left for the league to start, but the broadcast has not been decided yet. Despite securing Sony as a potential broadcaster at no cost, the AIFF did not finalise it. Now the clubs have no clarity.
- Financial viability: The clubs stressed the unsustainable financial pressure put on them due to the lack of transparency in the AIFF management of broadcast rights and production costs. It was revealed that the AIFF sold the rights of the properties including the league without consulting the clubs or following the procedures.
- Impact on players and fans: As per the rules and promises, the clubs had signed 35 players but now they have been informed that they can register only 30 players. The future of 1000 youngsters present in the registered academies is also in jeopardy. The journey to the national team will also become longer for them.
- Concerns over franchise leagues: The introduction of franchise-based state leagues was criticised as being detrimental to the traditional club structure, sidelining the historic clubs that have nurtured Indian football for decades.
