Report: 2nd Division clubs worry for cancelled league

The team executives are concerned about their future as the continuation of the competition remains uncertain.

It goes without saying that the world of football has effectively come to a standstill due to COVID-19. Most football leagues across the globe have been suspended or cancelled and fans fear that the global pandemic will continue to affect the sport in the future as well.

In India too, the case is no different as, like the rest of the country, almost all professional football clubs are also fighting hard against the economic damage caused by the virus. Unfortunately, the situation is not quite good for a few clubs, as reports have suggested that some of them face an uncertain future.

The Times of India has reported that as many as eight clubs currently plying their trade in the 2nd Division I-League, are "on shaky ground" due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. This includes FC Bengaluru United, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Garhwal FC, who were all contenders to win the 2nd Division and earn promotion to the I-league next season.

In case you missed it, the 2nd Division league was suspended towards the end of the preliminary round. With the restart dates remaining uncertain as of now, all the money invested by various clubs for the rest of the season will be lost and according to the report, that in turn, will lead to uneven balances if the competition is canceled.

The newspaper further adds that clubs have invested huge sums of money - ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1.5 crore - into the ill-fated 2019-20 season.

Among them are FC Bengaluru United, who are currently placed second in Group C of the 2nd Division. They played their last match on March 12 and exactly one month later, they expressed concern about their future.

"We want clarity at the earliest as the uncertainty can't go on. I think the AIFF will take an informed decision rather than an impulsive one. I don't think they will take any decision without consulting the clubs," the paper quoted an FCBU official as saying.

A previous report in the Hindustan Times had claimed that the Indian football season ends on May 31 and that should clearance from the central government not come in time for the league to be completed before that, the AIFF may carry forward the second division into 2020-21.

A final decision on this situation is yet to be taken on the issue.

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