Bengal body opposes merger of leagues

day before officials of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) meet representatives of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in Mumbai to discus contentious issues arising out of them being included in a newer, bigger and longer league, the Indian Football Association (IFA) fired a few salvos of its own. And they included a hint of starting a breakaway league.

Showing solidarity with Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, IFA general secretary Utpal Ganguli told reporters that the Bengal unit would do whatever it takes to ensure commercial considerations don’t undermine the clubs’ and the state’s heritage in football.

Pointing out that IFA, established in 1893 predates the 1937, Ganguli said efforts woul be made to get together ever I-league team that feels short changed by the new competition

“I am still hopeful that a solu tion will be found but you can have a situation where th I-league champions won’t pla in the new competition,” sai Ganguli.

“If required, we will do a ne tournament; we will do what i takes to disrupt this arrange ment. And that includes seekin the help of our state government We can’t let the AIFF’S commer cial partners almost dictat things.”

PUNJAB WIN JUNIOR NATIONAL TITLE

defeated Mizoram 3-0 in the final on Friday to retai the junior national footbal championship for the BC Ro Trophy in the 51st edition of th