The I-League Clubs Association (ILCA) held an urgent press conference two days back to address significant concerns regarding the upcoming I-League season. The representatives from all participating clubs united to highlight critical issues stemming from decisions made by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which threaten the sustainability and future of the league. According to ILCA, there is no clarity about the broadcast even though there are only a few days left before the commencement of the league. This is not the first time that I-league clubs are facing such a crisis. I-league clubs have been suffering stepmotherly treatment from the AIFF and the FSDl ever since the inception of the Indian Super League.
The Key Highlights include:
- Broadcasting Crisis:
The clubs unanimously expressed frustration over the lack of a confirmed broadcaster for the league, just days before its scheduled commencement. Despite securing Sony Sports as a potential broadcaster at no cost, the AIFF did not finalize this arrangement. The clubs are now left without clarity, impacting their ability to secure sponsors and ensure financial viability. If Sony had come on as the broadcaster, the reach of the tournament would have got a massive boost. - Financial Viability:
The clubs emphasized the unsustainable financial strain placed on them, compounded by a lack of transparency in AIFF’s management of broadcasting rights and production costs.
It was revealed that AIFF sold rights to multiple properties, including the I-League, without consulting clubs or adhering to established procedures. - Impact on Players and Fans:
As per the norms and promises clubs signed 35 players each, but now they have been informed that they can only register 30, which in turn means 5 players from each team face uncertainty and a fear of missing out on an entire season of football, given that they have already been registered with the clubs. As the transfer window will open again only in January, the players will miss at least 2 months of top-level football action. Over 1,000 registered players across age groups and numerous youth academies face uncertainty and without proper broadcasting, their visibility and opportunities diminish, affecting potential selections as players will hence fail to grab attention even after their hard work and efforts, and get noticed or get bigger contracts and even national team selections and career prospects. Fans, too, risk losing access to matches, further alienating grassroots support for football in India. - Concerns Over Franchise-Based Leagues:
The introduction of franchise-based state leagues was criticized as detrimental to the traditional club structure, sidelining historic clubs that have nurtured Indian football for decades. The recently concluded Super League Kerala was a success in terms of crowd turnout and broadcast. However, similar promotion need to be given to the existing Kerala Premier League as well which is the existing top division of the state. According to the club representatives, the AIFF has plans to start a Franchise based state league in 12 states with a minimum of 6 teams in each league. These leagues may replace the existing state league in the Indian football pyramid.
All the I-league club representatives as well as media pages were in attendance and kept their views along with answering all the queries.
Mr. Ranjit Bajaj, the owner of Delhi FC, mentioned on behalf of all the clubs, “We are not here to boycott the league but to demand what is fair for the players, fans, and the future of Indian football. Without proper broadcasting and support from AIFF, our league cannot survive.”
Arshad Shawl, from Real Kashmir FC, while addressing the issues mentioned that, “The lack of a confirmed broadcaster makes it impossible to attract sponsors, jeopardizing the financial health of our clubs. We urge AIFF to act responsibly and resolve these issues immediately.”
After all the efforts it is clear that the demand for a fair process and a fair solution is the need of the hour and something that the clubs deserve.
Fabio Ferreira, on behalf of Sreenidi Deccan FC and ILCA said, “Our primary demand is for proper broadcasting. The future of Indian football depends on creating an equitable and transparent ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.”
The clubs have collectively decided that they would not commence the league unless their demands for broadcasting and fair treatment are met. In addition, they also announced plans to escalate the matter to AFC and FIFA if AIFF fails to respond promptly.
Apart from all these points made, Pradyumn Reddy also said that they’re looking at the bigger picture. “Clubs in the past pulled out when promises weren’t met by the League and we feel similarly promises that were delivered by the Federation haven’t been met, and you’ve got to look at it the long term.”
He added, “In the long term, the clubs won’t exist, and the clubs won’t survive. If there are no clubs, there are no games for any players, and the whole ecosystem collapses. So at some point collectively, we have to make a decision to protect the entire ecosystem.”
The ILCA reiterated its commitment to the growth of Indian football and called for immediate dialogue with AIFF to resolve these pressing issues. The league owners emphasized that their goal is to ensure a sustainable and competitive environment
for Indian football at all levels.
