Conflicting opinions are emerging about the forthcoming IMG-Reliance league modelled on cricket’s Indian Premier League. The reactions are often extreme. The All India Football Federation’s general-secretary, Kushal Das, has said that enhanced media coverage will make Indian football a commercial entity and give it an international identity. Improved infrastructure will also benefit players.
Many of the I-League club officials are still apprehensive that this new league is a threat to their existence. It has also now become a three pronged battle. The Indian Professional Football Clubs Association feels that the AIFF is giving tacit support to the IMG-Reliance league.
The 32-year-old Valanka Alemao the dynamic CEO of I-League champions Churchill Brothers has aptly remarked, “We need to improve not by superseding or by creating a new league.” She feels that instead of starting a new league, “corporates willing to invest in the new franchisees must instead opt to associate themselves with the I-League teams.”
Valanka’s sentiment echoes the feelings of many I-League club organisers who have invested in Indian football for ages. They wanted assistance from the AIFF and their marketing agents in revamping the old structures and earning a return on their investment. Instead their apprehension is that AIFF and IMG-Reliance are sidelining the existing clubs and de-valuing the I-League.
IMG-Reliance’s secretive and selective talks to some club officials is also a cause of disgruntlement. They have discussed with club owners of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan about the release of players. Sources within the AIFF have said that a financial settlement could lead to a compromise.
It is learnt that the clubs will not have to pay the salaries of players who get loaned to the new IMG-R League from January to March 2014. This may act as an incentive to release players as it reduces the budget of clubs already facing cash crises.
It is learnt that 28 players, including current internationals Subrata Paul, Gourmangi Singh, Syed Rahim Nabi and Nirmal Chettri and some former internationals like Tomba Singh have already signed with the IMG-Reliance league. National coach Wim Koevermans is worried about the fitness of his national team players as they are being denied permission to train with their clubs.
The players are confused and want the best of both worlds to play in both leagues and enhance their income. They hope an amicable solution will be reached soon.
The corporatisation of football will also cause bewilderment to the Indian football fan (already declining in numbers). Unlike IPL style cricket, loyalties and attachments with football clubs have been built over a period of time. Love at first sight does not exist amongst football supporters. So will the franchise-based football teams be able to attract spectators on a regular basis? Increased media mileage is possible if some renowned retired or out of contract international stars come to play but spectator support for unknown teams is doubtful.
Indian football is going through a turbulent period of transition. The flow of money is increasing but the established clubs are feeling isolated, the players bewildered. Unless a consensus is reached soon, the IMG-R league may be yet another false dawn for Indian football.