This is the beginning of the end of Indian Football- Churchill Alemao

The Churchill Brothers owner has been a mainstay of Indian football for almost four decades.

Being a part of the Indian Football fraternity for nearly four decades now, Churchill Alemao has seen it all and done it all as the owner of Goa giants Churchill Brothers. However, with the Indian Super League (ISL) all set to be awarded the #1 league status in the country, even he fears that relegating the I-League would be the final rites for Indian Football.

Alemao has been a huge name in Goan football for many decades and provided the very best for Churchill Brothers, even if it meant losing a fortune over persistent losses. Along with the other I-League clubs, his own club is under threat of sinking and unless they get some relief from the court, he’s preparing for tough times ahead.

Speaking to the Times of India on Thursday, he said, “Indian football is under huge threat. The decision to make ISL as the top league and leave us out will kill Indian Football. All these years, it’s the I-League clubs who produced players. Without a good enough supply system, where will the players come from?  Believe me, this is the beginning of the end of Indian Football.”

“ISL is more entertainment than football. When the tournament was launched (in 2014), we saw retired stars coming to India. But have they improved the standard here? All the players you see (in the national team) have been discovered and groomed by I-League clubs over the years.”, he further explained.

After being granted a stay in the I-League last season, the Red Machines displayed some wonderful football, finishing in fourth place after Golden Boot winner Willis Plaza served his magic on a plate. However, with the uncertainty revolving the future, he’s been forced to take a backseat on his plans with his star-studded squad for next season.

On this, he said, “I have already made a lot of (domestic) signings, besides (highest goal scorer) Willis Plaza. But I keep telling the foreign players that they will have to wait a while before we know what’s happening here. It’s frustrating. I got so many (phone) calls on an everyday basis.”

Moreover, he feels like the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) decision of granting the ISL top-league status is actually going backwards and explained, “I have always dreamed of seeing India in the World Cup. I’ve kept believing in my dream, but AIFF’s move to choose ISL franchises over clubs who have invested so much over the years is a step backwards.”

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According to the AIFF, they are apparently contractually obligated to make the ISL the top-tier league in India. While the Master Rights Agreement(MRA) is often pinpointed as the reason, Alemao is questioning the motive behind granting complete control to their commercial partner.

“If someone asks for a room, do you sell your entire house? Before signing the contract, AIFF should have spared a thought for clubs who have kept the game alive all these years.”, stated Alemao, who has also threatened on dragging the AIFF to court if the I-League’s future isn’t secured soon.