Mohammed Salauddin dreams of introducing a Champions League style tournament to the south Asian region.
South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) president Mohammed Salauddin blames India for the breakdown of his Club Championship dream.
Salauddin had aspirations of replicating the success of the Champions League and Europa League by introducing a similar format in south East Asia, although his scheme was spurned by SAFF general secretary Alberto Colaco.
He foretold of problems arising over fixture scheduling as the competition calendar of each country differs with Salauddin encountering issues with India over their lack of interest in the proposed competition.
“The club championship is one of my biggest dreams. In Europe, it is the most popular competition,” he told Goal.com at the recent SAFF Championship draw.
“But I have a problem. Everybody has time (for it) except India. India are not comfortable to find the time.”
Salauddin is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of making the Championship a reality and identified two problems with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that he hopes to resolve.
“Sponsorship – that can be arranged and the timing from India. There are my two problems.
“I will request Indian FA president (Praful Patel) so that we can work around their schedule to arrange for the club championship to be held.”
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