Aizwal FC’s success in Fed Cup sparks debate on AIFF’s rule

Kolkata: Aizawl FC have booked their place in the semi-finals of Federation Cup 2016 after thrashing the current I-league champions and defending champions Bengaluru FC in both the legs (Agg: 5-3). But still they are denied to play in the I-league because of the I-league rules which says that a the corporate team would not be relegated for the first three years of the I-league. Aizawl FC have not only created an upset result in the Federation Cup itself but they also did the same in the I-league this year beating some high profile teams like Mohun Bagan who were the champions last year. DSK Shivajians, who are officially relegated from the league this year, but they will stay in the main tier as they are a corporate side. This is where the clash between money and talent is growing in Indian football. We had a chance to speak to some of the former players, coaches and officials of I-league clubs and AIFF. The following are their reactions:

Debabrata Sarkar( East Bengal official):  I cannot say anything against AIFF. If I Say so, I will get suspended. According to me, to develop Indian football talented clubs like Aizawl FC is needed in the top tier of Indian football. At the same time, funds are also needed to develop football. So to get in funds we need clubs like DSK Shivajians.

Sanjoy Sen (Mohun Bagan coach): This is unfortunate that Aizawl FC are relegated when they have positioned in the penultimate position. But this is nothing new. AIFF had already given a circular from last season that a corporate team would not be relegated for the first three years. AIFF can rethink on Aizawl FC after keeping in mind their fan base and football craze.

Jahar Das (Aizawl FC coach): I believe that AIFF is thinking about us deeply as we have produced some good results both in the I-league and Fed Cup. Our team management is also planning to send a letter to AIFF to consider us and the process is going on.

Sunando Dhar (CEO, I-league): This rule was informed to each and every clubs before the I-league. So, any such rules and regulations cannot be changed in the middle of the season. I have heard that Aizawl FC will send a letter of consideration. As soon as they send us the letter, we will send it to the executive committee.

Subhash Bhowmick (Former footballer and coach): This is unfortunate to see a club gets relegated in this manner but to drag in public towards the public you have to encourage North-East football. North-East football can only bring in crowd to the stadiums like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

Parth Jindal (Owner, Bengaluru FC): Parth Jindal, the owner of Bengaluru FC tweeted saying, “Sheer over confidence from everyone at the club has resulted in the loss @bengalurufc well played to @AizawlFC – I’ll be rooting for you.”