Clubs asked to submit new proposal as AIFF rules out amending constitution

Panaji: Officials from four Indian Super League (ISL) clubs will camp in Delhi next week to liaison with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and come up with a workable solution that will ensure that this season does not conclude without a top tier league being held.
The sports ministry suggested that the four officials represent different zones, so Dhruv Sood (Delhi FC), Mandar Tamhane (NorthEast United FC), Kandarp Chandra (Mumbai City) and Ekansh Gupta (Chennaiyin FC) volunteered to base themselves in Delhi next week and make some headway on a fresh proposal.
In previous communication with the AIFF, the clubs had suggested they form a consortium to jointly organise the league, provided the constitution was amended and rights transferred. The new constitution approved by the Supreme Court, states that the top tier league should be owned and operated by the federation, and even though clubs have been pushing for amendments, things are unlikely to change during the general body meeting on Dec 20.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey told the clubs that they are still waiting for directions from the Supreme Court after Justice Nageswara Rao, chairman of the bid evaluation committee, submitted his report to the apex court and detailed his reasons why the federation’s bid for commercial rights of the top league did not find any takers.
“Justice Rao has said there has to be a structured balance between the AIFF’s authority and the interest of commercial partners. Now, the court is yet to come with their opinion or judgement. This cannot happen overnight. It will be difficult for us to amend the constitution at this AGM. This matter is sub-judice,” said Chaubey, adding that the new general body comprising 58 members will need 75% majority to amend any clause.
Top tier clubs, including ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, said they are fine organising the league in the short term but needed a “guiding framework” where everyone knows of the long-term solution.
“We cannot start the league (this season) without knowing what will happen in the long term,” said another official.
It is now increasingly clear that the top league would be a truncated one, not starting before February, and possibly played at select venues. The clubs asked the AIFF to communicate with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and seek relaxation on its minimum criteria of 24 official matches, so that the champions are eligible to participate in Asian competitions.
East Bengal was the only club not in favour of organising the league, a responsibility the Kolkata giants felt should be left with the governing body.
“We are willing to participate in all tournaments, but as far as owning the league is concerned, we are not in favour,” said the official representing the club. “I differ a bit with other clubs, but, of course, I echo the same voice that a long-term solution should be there.”