East Bengal & Real Kashmir yet to receive prize money, AIFF defaults on Arrows' salaries
(Courtesy : I-League)
The federation is going though a severe cash crunch due to their ongoing tussle with IMG-R.
Less than a fortnight after I-League champions Chennai City wrote to the AIFF about their I-League prize money and received their dues in response, news have emerged of unpaid dues of East Bengal and Real Kashmir for their respective second and third position finishes.
East Bengal, who finished the season as runners-up following Chennai City, are entitled to receive ₹60 lakhs, whereas their league counterparts Real Kashmir are yet to get their hands on ₹40 lakhs for their third-place finish in the I-League.
"We haven't received any money from the AIFF. We had also sent AIFF our invoice with details of our travelling dues and subsidies. Hopefully, they should clear them soon," East Bengal CEO Sanjit Sen confirmed to The Times Of India.
ALSO READ: Chennai City, Minerva Punjab walking tightrope in row with AIFF
Talking about the issue, Real Kashmir co-owner Sandeep Chattoo stated that the Snow Leopards understand the cash crush the federation is going through, but they might also follow Chennai City in writing a letter to the AIFF and posting it on their social media platforms.
"We understand that the AIFF is undergoing a turmoil and we are ready to give them some leeway. However, we might have to go CCFC way and send a letter to AIFF and post it on Twitter, if the money is not in a while," he said.
The AIFF is facing a severe shortage of funds, since they have not received two instalments of payments from their marketing partner, IMG-R. Although, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports recently announced an increment in the annual financial assistance provided by the Government of India to the apex body, the funds are strictly for "development of the sport" and "promoting football in the country."
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Not just the prize money and travel reimbursments to different clubs, AIFF have also failed to pay the salaries of their development side, the Indian Arrows. One of the senior players in the side, who has now moved on to an ISL outfit, revealed that he is yet to receive "at least six months' salary."
"I have no issue now, since the ISL franchise has paid me well. But, till a month back, I along with others were living on our daily allowances. The AIFF has been promising to clear our dues for the last six months. Hopefully, things will be steamlined soon," the player quipped on condition of anonymity.
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