INDIAN FOOTBALL No resolution in AIFF impasse

The All India Football Federation’s meeting with Mohun Bagan and East Bengal regarding their participation in the Indian Super League’s upcoming season remained inconclusive here on the day, with another meeting scheduled for Monday.

The two Kolkata clubs, who currently play in the I-League, have put up several conditions for their inclusion in the ISL, demanding exemption from paying the franchisee fee of `15 crore and the use of Kolkata as their home city. If they are not allowed to participate in the ISL, then status quo should be maintained with the ILeague being held at a different time of the season.

AIFF president Praful Patel in turn has put forward a proposal which the clubs will study and decide upon.

“We discussed the league structure for the new season, mulling different ideas. The AIFF has put forward a proposal, which will safeguard the interests of the I-League clubs and ISL franchises. It will be in effect on for a year, after which a new roadmap for the future of Indian football will be drawn up by the AIFF according to AFC’s suggestions. The proposal will be sent by the AIFF. The clubs will have a look at it and decide accordingly. If they agree, the AIFF will formulate a path for the next season based on the proposal,” Indian Football Association secretary Utpal Ganguli told this paper.

Ganguli refused to divulge details of the AIFF proposal but dropped hints that it will serve the two clubs’ interests to an extent.