Kolkata: Since it had been decided that the ISL and the I-League will be running simultaneously, the I-League teams have been under the cosh as they face a tough time in the team in different aspects. As the two leagues are bound to overlap, the future of the I-League clubs remains in high waters. The AIFF had mooted a possible Super Cup, comprising of the top four teams of ISL and I-League.
At this juncture, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan club officials had queried about the possible eight-team competition. In that case, the difference in the foreign quota stipulation would have made it a difficult situation for the I-League clubs as www.xtratime.in informed a week back.
As it seems, the I-League clubs and and their constant battle with the IMG-R and The AIFF is heading almost towards a failure as the majority of the claims of the I-League clubs have already been turned down. Even the latest claims of the clubs like the better TV coverage, one draft/auction for all the ISL and I-League clubs, increase the number of foreigners in I-League, better prize money for the I-League and the other associated things are also not treated with preference. Only the better TV coverage and increased number of foreigners are being promised to be kept.
East Bengal’s former Football Secretary Santosh Bhattacharya told, “Now-a-days the pride of playing for the two top Kolkata clubs has become immaterial, as money has become a bigger motivation. It’s sad but a fact for sure.” On being asked whether star Indian defender Arnab Mondal will be released for the ISL clubs or not, Santosh said, “Who wants to help others by digging his own comb? There is no question of leaving him.”
East Bengal’s just former Football Secretary has also promised to do all sorts of help to the new Football Secretary Mr Raja Guha.