AIFF, IMG-R vs I-League clubs: The dummy's guide

“It was always going to be a damp squib,” a club official told Firstpost when we asked him what happened in the meeting between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee and IMG-Reliance officials. He then indicated that nothing out of the ordinary was ever going to come off it — despite the meeting happening in the backdrop of the tug-of-war between the I-League clubs, IMG-R and the AIFF. What really comes as a slap to the I-League clubs is the continuous refusal of the AIFF to bring IMG-R to the table with the Indian Professional Football Clubs Association (IPFCA). The IPFCA had pushed for a meeting before 1 August, which did not happen . However, they were on hand to meet the AIFF and present the blueprint of the proposed IPL-style tournament. The AIFF and it’s various members gave many statements to the media after the meeting, and here’s a point-by-point breakdown — trying to understand what the current situation is. AIFF stubborn in support for IMG-R The AIFF has completely backed IMG-R’s plans for the new tournament. Everything is still as it was — tentative. The words used in their statement were that the AIFF ‘unanimously expressed satisfaction’ about the proposal. It goes on to say that the proposal contained everything — from the tournament’s objectives, structure and implementation to franchise auction guidelines, obligations and building process. An update on the player’s signed, venue booking and stadium refurbishment were also given. However, none of this was made available to the media in detail. We’re just aware that the AIFF are completely satisfied with the progress. Their only support so far has been giving up the conference system and allowing the I-League to go on with the home and away system. Empty claims of football development “IMG-Reliance plans for development of Indian Football is impressive as it just not concentrates on a single Tournament but in the creation of a platform which would popularize the game across all levels in India,” says the statement. [caption id=“attachment_1005793” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  AIFF president Praful Pate. AFP[/caption] How? No one knows. Yes, it may popularise the sport given that it is expected to be broadcast — but how does it not concentrate on just one tournament? And this platform that they talk about is not elaborated on. One certainly wonders as to how a highly marketed tournament, which seems headed for a money spinning venture rather than a developmental mission, will help the grassroots level — which is what India really needs. What about development of the I-League? “IMG-Reliance also confirmed to the Executive Committee that a detailed promotional plan for the 2013-14 I-League will be communicated to AIFF which can be shared with the clubs.” Our view is that this is another tall claim. I-League members told Firstpost that the calendar given out by the AIFF had no dates of I-League matches. There isn’t a clue of when the league will start, so forget about a promotional plan. Even if they come out with this plan, it’s just too late — the I-League has to start in September, which leaves a month for this promotional plan to kick-in. An AIFF official says in this report, that the I-League remains the AIFF’s primary responsibility. But it doesn’t look like it. The call for stakeholders to work ’together’ The AIFF hasn’t really helped the I-League club owners meet with IMG-R. The IPFCA have been trying to meet them over a long period of time. Actually, this has gone on for three years now. It is the AIFF’s duty, as the parent football body of the game, to arrange this meeting and force both parties to meet. The I-League is not a separate legal entity and the IMG-R are official marketing partners of the AIFF. So, rather than ask them to meet, which they have in the meeting, shouldn’t they be setting up this meeting and get it done with? AIFF President Praful Patel says, “I think all the issues which are being discussed will be solved amicably.” He clearly hasn’t attended an IPFCA meeting, like we have. The word ‘amicable’ doesn’t come to mind after these meetings. The issue of players being loaned to IMG-R franchises Again, the statement says, “AIFF Executive Committee also asked the stakeholders including I-League Clubs and IMG-Reliance to discuss matters pertaining to players being loaned for the new tournament.” It is in the AIFF’s hands to find out how this method works. Nowhere in the league do you see players playing for a club, then all getting loaned out together to other clubs, and then returning to their parent clubs in the space of three months. It’s downright ridiculous. Considering that the AIFF is the one who should hammer out a way to do this while pertaining with FIFA regulations, it’s time they start shirking responsibility and taking it on. They expect the clubs to find solutions, which is a clear sign that they’ve washed their hands off the whole issue. I-League clubs can buy into franchises While discussing the issue, there is one solution that no one seems to look at: why can’t the I-League clubs be treated as the franchises, rather than creating new ones? The IMG-R signed up with the AIFF, and the AIFF’s premier offering is the I-League. Ideally, IMG-R should put all its might behind making the I-League better — and not create a rival league. The IMG-R, who reportedly plan to sign marquee players for their new franchises, can do the same for these clubs. It means the I-League stays alive, and gets sprinkled with some much needed glamour. After all this, they have the audacity to say that the I-League clubs can also buy into these franchises.