AIFF invite ARA FC to play in Super Cup, Chhinga Veng and TRAU FC are yet to receive similar invites

Several I-League clubs including champions Chennai City have withdrawn from the tournament citing unfair treatment.

With I-League clubs backing out from the ongoing Super Cup qualifiers, the AIFF is currently caught in a quagmire. Now, it looks like the governing body have turned their heads towards Second Division I-League clubs.

According to Khel Now sources, Ahmedabad-based club ARA FC have been approached by the apex body to take part in the tournament. The players were told about it by the management recently, with the club set to face Bengaluru FC (Reserves) in the league.

Our source also added, "The club hasn't decided yet, if they want to play in the Super Cup or not."

The question remains if the club travel to Odisha, then what will be done about their scheduled second division matches.

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Also, our sources from Lonestar Kashmir have stated that the players haven't been told anything regarding the Super Cup by their management. Meanwhile, a Chhinga Veng representative added that the club would want to play in the tournament, but haven't received any invitation yet. Manipuri club TRAU FC also haven't received any invitation so far.

Most I-League clubs have already withdrawn from the tournament including Minerva Punjab and Chennai City. But, now it seems that East Bengal could still participate in the competition, with its majority stakeholders inclined towards the Super Cup and ISL. The reason given by these clubs is unfair treatment and lack of transparency by the AIFF.