Recession may not have slowed down international football but it has had an impact on Indian football. Already two I-League clubs have backed out of this year’s tournament. So the proposed 16-team I-League has been reduced to 13 teams this season.
The All India Football Federation has disbanded its U-23 developmental side Pailan Arrows because of lack of financial commitment by the sponsors. Infrastructural problems existed, such as residential complex repairs, not being carried out. So the AIFF decided to discontinue this venture which began in Gurgaon as Indian Arrows in the 2010-11 season.
The AIFF plans to loan out the Arrows players to other I-League clubs. This is a boon as in the 2013-14 season, it is mandatory for all I-League clubs to register a minimum of five U-23 players, with one in their playing XI.
The biggest setback was Mumbai Tigers’ withdrawal from the I-League. Sponsored by the Dubai-based Dodsal group, this club had massive ambitions. They had planned to recruit ex-French international and former Manchester United left back Mikael Silvestre in their I-League squad for this season.
Citing financial restraints and inability to hire players, Mumbai Tigers has not been disbanded. They want to play in the 2nd division as they feel their squad is inadequate for the main I-League.
The withdrawal of Mumbai Tigers means only one franchise based team; Bengalaru FC, will participate in the I-League. The AIFF had earlier this year claimed that several franchises wanted to start football teams but the reality is different.
For the second successive year, India’s oldest football tournament has also got limited sponsorship due to the uncertain financial conditions. Last year an NRI-owned London-based multinational corporation Anglian Holdings had come forward to sponsor the Durand tournament for `10 lakhs. This company backed out this year so corporate sponsorship for the 126th Durand tournament being held in the capital is minimal. Cosco has provided `4 lakhs and they hope to get `15 lakhs from ONGC.
Creditably the Indian Army has shown their customary resilience and provided ample financial assistance to the Durand tournament this year. Generous contributions have ensured that this prestigious tournament offers lucrative prize money.
The winning team in the 126th Durand tournament will get a whopping `25 lakhs and the runners up `15 lakhs. The two losing semi-finalists will get `5 lakhs each.
Each of the eight quarter-finalists will receive `3.5 lakhs as expenses. The losing semi-finalists will get an extra `1 lakh each as their stay in Delhi will be extended. The painstaking efforts of the secretary-general of the Durand football tournament, Lt Col. P.D. Kherwa, and his team have helped in obtaining a financial bonanza this year.
Despite such lucrative prize money there is no team from Goa and the Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have also shied away, citing local league commitments. Lt Col. Kherwa wants to negotiate with the Goa and IFA secretaries next year to ensure there is no clash of schedules and the best teams are available for the tournament. Some I-league clubs, Pune FC, the revamped Mohammedan Sporting, ONGC and Sikkim United are participating this year.