Terming the decision of newly crowned I League champions Aizawl FC to go on a hunger strike as unfair, AIFF president Praful Patel said today that the federation has not yet finalised a new road map for the game, but will also not be intimidated by threats.
"Aizawl cannot complain. They won the I League only because a relegated team was included in it. If they complain it's unfair and threats won't work," Patel told reporters.
"Aizawl was relegated in 2016. It was the AIFF which saw the passion (in the club) and let them play in I League as a special dispensation. I congratulate every one who has contributed to their success. AIFF has also supported them," the AIFF chief said.
"They have said they sent a letter (to AIFF) which I have not seen. (Meanwhile) threats are issued, but AIFF does not get intimidated by threats. The road map of Indian football and what will be the structure next year have not yet been decided. Today I League is the official League. Why are they then giving threats," wondered Patel.
Aizawl FC has been miffed by statements that they will not be a part of a unified five-month long league planned from next year by AIFF which also hosts the more glamorous and costlier Indian Super League every year.
The northeastern club, working on a shoestring budget, has threatened to go on a hunger strike in front of AIFF's headquarters if they are not retained in the country's top league next year.
"Till a new road map is decided the old one continues. Why is somebody complaining? You cannot complain on a hypothetical situation. But if they want to shout let them shout, we are not going to be intimidated.
"In future every club has to support its own funding and AIFF has no role in clubs' structure. It's their own domain. Now they will qualify for AFC Cup and we will be happy to see an Indian club doing well there.
"AIFF will take all decisions based on the good of Indian football which does not belong to A or B club. We are absolutely clear and transparent. They have won the I league will continue to play in the I League," he said.
Expressing happiness over India breaking into the top 100 of FIFA rankings after 21 years Patel, who spoke after launching the "WIFA Just Play festival", said the aim now should be to break into the top 50.
"I am very happy we have been able to achieve the landmark. I compliment all the players and the coach. While we are very happy to have reached the first 100, we will be more happy to reach the first 50 in the next five years.
"We have to play more and more international games. Then only our rankings will improve. The coach and players should be more open to play higher ranked international teams.
"Hosting the Under 17 World Cup is a step in that direction. Today's under 17 players will be the future footballers for the national team. That's when I expect the rankings to improve further.
"The future of Indian football is dependent more on the newer lot of players. While older players are doing well, the younger ones can be conditioned better. With the kind of support the under 17 team is getting, the next big push will come when the newer lot comes into the picture," said Patel.
He also said that preparations for hosting the FIFA Under 17 World Cup was on schedule and the tournament would be hosted successfully in October.
"Everything connected to the FIFA Under 17 World Cup is on track. We will be hosting a wonderful tournament on time," he declared.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
