I have the passion to do justice to football- Rohit Ramesh

The Chennai City FC owner also revealed that he will be working to ensure live telecasts of CFA Senior Division games.

Following a similar instance in Goa with Churchill Alemao, Chennai City FC owner Rohit Ramesh is also set to contest elections for the president of Chennai Football Association.

Soon after the Indian Bank team lifted the CFA Senior Division league title, the city and state football have their next task in hand. The prestigious post is at stake as the elections are set to take place on the 30th of June.

In an exclusive interview with Khel Now, Ramesh spoke about his aspirations and goals if elected to the association's top job.

"It's easy to make a quick change and come on board, but I wanted the blessing of the elders (CFA members) who were inside (Chennai Football Association) for many years," Ramesh asserted.

The CFA is a powerful body in the state and influences many major decisions pertaining to state football. But, the lack of synergy between the CFA and the Tamil Nadu Football Association symbolizes the current crisis in the state's football. Khel Now had earlier revealed several problems that players in the state face.

The Chennai City owner commented on the misunderstandings between the two associations and whether he'll try to resolve the issue. "That's the bigger picture. Hopefully, in time I can resolve the issues."

As young as 32, Ramesh is not new to the scene in Tamil Nadu football. Infact, he sponsored the state's Santosh Trophy team for three years from 2014-2017. "I feel on a personal level that I've contributed to the sport in these six years. I have the passion to do justice to football," he added.

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He spoke about what developmental steps he might try to take if he wins the election. "To ensure we telecast CFA Senior Division League games live or highlights, online or through local channels. This will that the ensure the association gets good sponsors. Clubs can also get good sponsors as the matches will reach the people outside the stadium."

Unsurprisingly, Ramesh has the backing and well-wishes of the rising stars from the state. Some of them spoke exclusively to Khel Now to register their views about a CFA under entrepreneur.

"Rohit sir is a passionate football fan. He knows how to handle footballing development," said former Chennai City FC forward Michael Soosairaj.

"He has the vision and enthusiasm to develop Tamil Nadu football and especially Tamil players. If he wins the elections, it'll be good for the football in Tamil Nadu," he added.

Chennaiyin FC ace Dhanpal Ganesh also said, "Rohit sir was the one who supported me when I was injured. It's tough to come back from a major injury in Indian football. I was injured for two years. But, still Rohit sir signed me on loan without even having trials. His support means a lot. I wish him all the best for the elections."

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"He has provided chances for Tamil Nadu football and players with an I-League club. He might try to create good infrastructure and training facilities if he wins. I wish him all the best," said Edwin Sydney Vanspaul.

VC Praveen, the owner of Gokulam Kerala FC and Viva Chennai FC is expected to be the opposition candidate for the post.