I-League Clubs Hold Historic Press Conference on Key Issues with AIFF

The I-League Clubs Association (ILCA) held an urgent press conference today to address significant concerns regarding the upcoming I-League season.



Representatives from all participating clubs united to highlight critical issues

stemming from decisions made by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which threaten the sustainability and future of the league.



The Key Highlights include:

1. Broadcasting Crisis:

- Clubs unanimously expressed frustration over the lack of a confirmed broadcaster for the league, just days before its scheduled commencement.

- Despite securing Sony as a potential broadcaster at no cost, the AIFF did not finalize this arrangement. Clubs are now left without clarity, impacting their ability

to secure sponsors and ensure financial viability.

2. Financial Viability:

- Clubs emphasized the unsustainable financial strain placed on them,

compounded by a lack of transparency in AIFF's management of broadcasting

rights and production costs.

- It was revealed that AIFF sold rights to multiple properties, including the

I-League, without consulting clubs or adhering to established procedures.

3. Impact on Players and Fans:

- As per the norms and promises clubs signed 35 players each, but now they have

been informed how they can only register 30, which inturn means 5 players from

each teams face uncertainty and a fear of missing out an entire season of football,

given that they have already been registered with the clubs.

- Over 1,000 registered players across age groups and numerous youth academies

face uncertainty and without proper broadcasting, their visibility and opportunities

diminish, affecting potential selections as players will hence fail to grab attention

even after their hardwork and efforts, and get noticed or getting bigger contracts

and even national team selections and career prospects.

- Fans, too, risk losing access to matches, further alienating grassroots support for

football in India.