I-league clubs' officials meet with sports minister Kiren Rijiju following deliberations with AIFF

The representatives of Aizawl FC, Gokulam Kerala and Minerva Punjab detailed the minister on their interaction with AIFF President Praful Patel.

The representatives of three I-League clubs met with the Union Minister pf Staate (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday evening. It is understood the officials updated the minister on their deliberations with AIFF President Praful Patel earlier in the day. Aizawl FC, Gokulam Kerala and Minerva Punjab were presented at the meet in the capital.

Speaking following the interaction Minerva Punjab owner Ranjit Bajaj said, "Robert Royte (Aizawl FC), VC Praveen (Gokulam Kerala) also went with me to speak with Rijiju. Apparently, Debashish Dutta of Mohun Bagan also met with him a week ago and it was a just a casual meeting, where he assured us that he is there for Indian football, AIFF and the clubs in any circumstances."

However, Bajaj also clarified that the clubs are not keen to involve the government in their issues with the AIFF. "We don't want any government interference and even FIFA can ban us for that. We want a win-win situation for all us of here. At present, our own parents are killing us and they are not killing us for their own sons. They are killing us for their stepsons who are somebody else's sons."

In the meeting with I-League clubs earlier in the day, All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel had reiterated the interest of the Indian FA to continue the Indian Super League and the I-League simultaneously until 2022.

The Indian FA's head honcho assured that he will knock on the doors of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to allow India to run both the leagues simultaneously at least for the next three years, to enable the federation to work on a long-term roadmap that is acceptable to all stakeholders.

There has been a lot of uncertainty among the I-League clubs regarding their future in Indian football, but Patel assured them of quality broadcasting and proper scheduling in the upcoming I-League season.

Speaking to the media after meeting the clubs Patel said, "Tomorrow (in the future), we don’t want to pack up the I-League. It should continue. But, ultimately there should be a roadmap of Indian football. Two leagues cannot go on permanently. The AFC will also not allow it forever. It is just a solution for the time being."

"There is a historical issue with Indian football, within that framework, I feel a reasonable two to three years window should be given for I-League also to be continuing. I cannot give you any assurance yet because I have to talk to the AFC. AFC also have to agree to what I am saying. It may be our wish, but AFC will have to agree. Our commercial partners have to be consulted. At the end of the day, there are costs involved.'

However, club owners have also come out with their opinion after meeting the AIFF President earlier today. Speaking about the deliberations, the NEROCA FC club secretary Dr. Manimohon Moirangthem sounded optimistic about the discussions.

"We as a football-lover understand that the President is tied with an agreement with Reliance. At the moment, we have to agree to what our President wants, but first we have to secure our future as a club. In my view, there is nothing to worry as ISL is a different identity than the I-League. But, our main aim still remains for a unified league which is not to be disclosed now. Being a secretary of the club I agree to the views of the President."

Bajaj also sounded positive after the meeting as he added, "AIFF has assured us that we will be getting the schedule a lot earlier in the next three seasons. They also suggested to help us regarding broadcasting issues of the league. He (Patel) proposed us a plan of splitting up the cost of broadcasting with the federation bearing 50% of the cost and the rest to be taken care of by the clubs. It was a great thing that came out in the meeting."

However, the main roadblock that could scupper the AIFF's plan to continue with the dual league structure will be the AFC blueprint, in which Asian football's governing body mandated that India should have a unified league by 2020. Hence, the onus is on the apex body to request the AFC to continue both leagues simultaneously at least until 2022.

"AIFF have said they will approach AFC for the continuation of parallel leagues system. We still have to wait and see what is decided in the Executive Committee meeting on 9th July," a senior I-League club official told Khel Now on condition of annonymity.

When asked if the I-League clubs agree with the move he added, "We are discussing it and have sought a day's time to reply."