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[caption id="attachment_45784" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Indian Football gets new road map from the AFC. File Pic[/caption] Kolkata: The all awaited meeting at Kuala Lumpur puts Indian Super League on the back foot as AFC has confirmed that I-League would be the front line league in India as the Champions of the I-League will get a direct slot in the ACL play-off. On the flip side no positive outcome was there for the ISL as not even an AFC Cup slot was confirmed for ISL. It was decided that AIFF will take a call on this about the AFC Cup participating criteria. There might be a Super Cup or the Federation Cup and of course the ISL to confirm a slot in the AFC Cup. So in terms of the ISL nothing concrete came in their way. The AIFF to have an executive committee meeting tomorrow to discuss about the responsibility given to them by The AFC today at Kuala Lumpur. Sensing a possibility of the discussion, the Kolkata giants along with IFA have sent respective letters to the AIFF and requested them to take a decision on 12th June after discussing with all the clubs today. The AFC will send a new road-map to the AIFF in August to have a further discussion. Though, the AFC will send the final road-map after the FIFA U-17 World Cup in October. During the meeting Shillong Lajong owner Larsing Ming hailed East Bengal and Mohun Bagan and their rich legacy in Indian football. He also mentioned that their involvement is indispensable in the new road map of Indian football, but Bhaichung Bhutia immediately opposed that and said that Mohun Bagan was a private limited company like East Bengal a few years back, then where lies the difference between them and any other corporate club. Mohun Bagan representative Debasish Dutta replied that Mohun Bagan have millions of fans, success and own stadium. 'A war of words' started between Bhaichung and Debasish Dutta when Bhaichung started asking questions after questions in front of the AFC and FIFA officials. Bhaichung questioned about Mohun Bagan's claim of having their own stadium. He also added, the condition of the CFC gallery of the Mohun Bagan ground. Bhaichung asked what would happen if the army denies Mohun Bagan to play at the ground like they do during the hockey season. The tussle created an embarrassing situation. Though all the parties supported to the concept of having a single league instead of two parallel leagues. Speculations started as that might lead the ISL franchises to go for fresh bids in the new league. As then there would be no existence of I-League or ISL. Though nothing appeared to be concrete in terms of  the new league and remained a subject of further discussion. When IMGR and AIFF representative asked all the parties to have a detail discussion on that, Mohun Bagan representative Debasish Dutta left the meeting with Larsing Ming by saying that they were in a hurry to catch their return flight back to India. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has offered the All India Football Federation (AIFF) several recommendations on how to devise a strategy on the future of Indian football in a meeting between various stakeholders in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by representatives from several Indian Super League and I-League clubs, along with officials of Football Players Association of India (FPAI), AIFF and AFC president Dato Windsor. With the AFC having offered their suggestions, the ball is in AIFF's court on how to proceed with devising a strategy that satisfies all the parties concerned. The following are the reactions of the parties who were involved or concerned at the meeting at Kuala Lumpur. FPAI: Both Bhaichung and Renedy were of the opinion that one single league with more teams is required for the long term growth of Indian football and they would always push for the same. For the short term road map the stake holders will meet again within a period of 7-10 days. Bhaichung , Renedy also pointed out that with the current format of the leagues being played for three months (ISL and I-league being played for 3 months each) many players are remaining unemployed while some get only 3 months of football which at the present moment is the biggest problem for Indian football. The stake holders also agreed with Renedy and Bhaichung on these points and pledged their support for the cause of Indian football as a whole. The duo also pointed out that players should have long term contracts with the clubs which makes the player more committed. The clubs also gain on their player transfer when a player who is on a long term contract has a good season and is in demand. Mohun Bagan: Mr. Debashis Dutta made presentation elaborating the History and Legacy of our club as well as explained the performance of National Team and also stressing on the importance of having one league. The AFC General Secretary and other members present at the meeting took note of Mr. Dutta’s words and accepted that century old clubs should be given due respect and diligence. They also agreed that their contributions and commitment to the game for such a long period cannot be ignored. There is a need to find a permanent solution, and AIFF along with all concerned should work collectively to develop India’s Football structure. They also accepted the idea of having one league covering Pan India. One League system would enhance the performance of National Team; it would help develop players and coaches. East Bengal: Club General Secretary Kalyan Majumder said that Mr Praful Patel promised the club to sit with them after the meeting at Kuala Lumpur and the club firmly believes that the AIFF will be following the guideline given by the AFC today. Club official Debabrata Sarkar said that the club senses there is a possibility of completing the discussion at the AIFF executive committee meeting tomorrow and has written and requested the federation to do the needful after the meeting on 12th June. The East Bengal official also said that the club will do whatever it needs to nullify the intention of the IMG-R and The AIFF to run two parallel leagues. IFA: IFA Secretary Utpal Ganguli said that the association has always tried to give all sorts of support to the Kolkata clubs and will do the same in future as well to save the pride of Kolkata football. Meanwhile, Debabrata Sarkar and Alvito D'Cunha would be representing East Bengal at the AIFF Annual Award Giving Ceremony at Mumbai. Famous fashion designer Agnimitra Paul will also be present.