I-league will miss Bengaluru FC
NEW DELHI: When it comes to the I-league, very few teams have been as successful as Bengaluru FC in the last few editions of the tournament. From winning the title in their debut season to reaching the AFC Cup final, the club was the crown jewel of Indian football.
However, this edition of the I-league will not feature the twotime champions after their decision to join the Indian Super League (ISL) at the end of last season and the absence of the Sunil Chhetri-led side can be a major issue for the competition.
This will be the first time that the I-league and ISL will be running simultaneously. The All India Football Federation has maintained that I-league is the ‘official league’ as the winner is awarded an AFC Champions League spot, but the lack of star
performers tells a different story.
The players were given a choice to play in any of the two leagues and the majority of wellknown Indian footballers opted to take part in the ISL. In a scenario like this, the absence of Bengaluru FC has further worsened the situation. The absence of Bengaluru FC also means that the I-league will be missing a sureshot title challenger who would have added to the quality of the tournament. With three debutants(gokulamfc,nerocafc, Indian Arrows) and two sides who are just one-year old in the league (Chennai City FC and Minerva Punjab FC), I-league needed its more established teams to boost the attraction of the tournament.
However, with Bengaluru FC jumping ship at the start of the season, the I-league dealt a major blow and Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen believes that the tournament will miss them.
“It is important to play quality teams in order to develop your own game. BFC have been a top side in the I-league for the last few years and we will miss them ” said Sen. The other major reason why the I-league will miss Bengaluru FC will be their fan base which has been a highlight of their home games. With Bengaluru FC winning twice, their supporters multiplied rapidly and the loss of a dedicated fan base will be harmful to the tournament’s viewership ratings.