The tournament, to be jointly organised by the AIFF and IMG-Reliance between January-March next year, has become the object of acrimony for the I-League clubs who have hardened their stand on non-release of the players to the federation.
I-League Professional Clubs' Association President Raj Gomes said they would not release players for the tournament. He wondered what would come out of the meeting tomorrow.
Some players, who were inclined to sign up for the tournament that is offering big bucks, are in a dilemma whether to join it or not. They fear that if they join the tournament they may not get to play in the I-League.
Matters appeared to have taken a turn for the worse with national coach Wim Koevermans reportedly describing the proposed tournament a "big threat" to Indian football.
"It's surprising for the AIFF to issue a statement like that. Ideally, it should have carried Koeverman's quotes denying what has been attributed to him or may be an AIFF official speaking on his behalf," a top official of an I-League club said.
"Denial should have come from the person himself. How can the federation simply say that he has not said that? Can the federation also say that the coach has said something?" he asked.
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