I-League sponsors cancel talks with clubs
Indian football is one step closer to resolving its most pressing issue.
The AIFF (All Indian Football Federation) plans to instate a franchise based League similar to the IPL,some leading clubs are unwilling to release players for the competition which could run alongside the existing I-league. In a statement Pune FC owner Nandan Piramal said: “We’re going into this meeting with an open mind and without any preconceived notions.Players have begun to understand the importance of the I-League. They know how key it is to play football throughout the season to help their careers.” Churchill Brothers CEO Valanka Alemao told the New Zealand Herald: “You need to appreciate the fact that till date Indian football is alive because of the toil and sacrifice for decades of the existing clubs. The serious challenge is how to improve the game and develop the I-league which is the bedrock of Indian football.”The Sponsors of the AIFF IMG-Reliance who took over marketing rights three years ago in a $140m deal, asked the Federation to liaise with the I-league clubs and called a meeting to discuss a new tournament, the meeting has been postponed until further notice.
I-League professional football club association (IPFCA) have set a deadline of August 1st for the meeting.
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