Exclusive: The AIFF and the I-League clubs found the ‘perfect solution’, the I-League & ISL drama comes to an end

The I-League & ISL controversy at last gets the solution. | Image: XtraTime
The I-League & ISL controversy at last gets the solution. | Image: XtraTime

Kolkata: The wait is over, the all awaited solution of the ISL and I-League controversy has at last come to an end as The AIFF have come up with a solution which has been greeted by all the clubs including East Bengal and Mohun Bagan and sources revealed that they found the solution to be the ‘perfect’ one. It is believed that the solution will eradicate the continuous ‘turmoil’ on the future of Indian football. Today, at New Delhi, in the meeting with the clubs, President Praful Patel favoured holding both the ISL and I-League, running simultaneously in this season, www.xtratime.in can confirm.

In the meeting, specially the Kolkata clubs East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, demanded equal promotion compare to the ISL, HD telecast of all the matches, playing in the top tier league without paying the franchise fees and a ‘stubborn’ claim of not playing their home matches outside Kolkata.

The AIFF came up with a ‘flawless’ solution in the meeting as they promised that both the leagues will be telecasted on Star Network with HD telecast and equal amount of promotions for all the matches. The top five teams of both ISL and I-League will play a new “Champions League” and the champions of the new competition will represent the country in the Asian Champions League, while the runners-up will play the AFC Cup next season, www.xtratime.in can confirm. The new solution became a perfect one as the Kolkata teams will now be able to play the top tier league (Super League) without paying the transfer fees and also share the city as their home with Atletico de Kolkata as the new league won’t have the “one city, one team” rule. The new solution was highly applauded by all the clubs and stake-holders. Though President Praful Patel cordially requested all the club representatives not to reveal anything to the media, as the President himself will officially announce the solution within a couple of days.

As per this formula, the top five I-League teams will now get the opportunity to face the top five ISL teams for the first time in the “Super League” in a home and away basis. The champions of the Super League will play the AFC Champions League (ACL) playoff spot while the runners-up will play the AFC Cup. If the Champions fail to make it past the ACL playoffs, they will automatically drop down to the AFC Cup group stage, XtraTime can confirm.