NEW DELHI: All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das has left the door open for the likes of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal to enter the Indian Super League (ISL) next season as part of a proposed restructuring of the competition, Press Trust of India reports.
Point to note though. As things stand, a unified league is still NOT in the offing!
“Provided they (I-League clubs) fulfil the ISL criteria, it is possible as part of restructuring,” Das was quoted as saying to PTI on Wednesday during the Indian national football team’s jersey launch event in the city.
I-League clubs who wish to switch to the ISL, will have to fulfill the essential criteria to pay Rs 150 million as franchise fees.
While the AIFF has been looking to merge the two domestic leagues, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed.
The arrival of Bengaluru-based Quess as sponsors has given East Bengal much needed financial boost. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan will receive a Rs. 3.5 billion funding from USA’s Streamcast Technologies. Presently, it is in talks with ATK for a potential joint venture.
“Talks are in advanced stages between Mohun Bagan and ATK,” a source monitoring the development told PTI.
