A new dispute has surfaced only one day before the I-competition’s 18th season is set to begin, and teams have urged the AIFF to postpone the competition until the existing broadcast issue is resolved.
Just one day before the 18th season was about to begin, a new dispute surfaced, prompting the I-competition Clubs Association to call on the All India Football Federation to postpone the competition until the existing broadcast problem is fixed. Sreenidi Deccan FC and Gokulam Kerala FC will play at 4 p.m. on Friday, the first day of play, while Inter Kashi will play debutants Sporting Club Bengaluru at Kalyani, near Kolkata, at 7 p.m.
The 12 clubs that are taking part, however, are upset that AIFF hasn’t been able to finalize a broadcast agreement with Sony Network.
To the AIFF president, the teams sent a strongly worded letter threatening to “not commence the league unless confirmation of the broadcast was received by 8pm on Thursday.” “I-league clubs request you to send us confirmation of Sony Network as the official broadcaster of the I-League 24-25 by 8pm tonight, failing which I-league clubs will not commence the league as scheduled to commence tomorrow,” they stated.
“To add to our frustrations, hefty fines averaging Rs 10 lakh per club on account of failure in Club Licensing have been communicated to clubs last night,” the letter read.
“Despite the president’s repeated promises that clubs would not be subject to infrastructure charges, some teams have received fines of up to 25 lakhs.
“The issue of stadium infrastructure was discussed in detail where it was noted by the president and the clubs that since the stadiums in India are government owned and clubs do not have any direct control over them, and are only renting the stadiums for a limited period, it is unfair to fine clubs for the same.” The teams went on to explain their stance on the agreement with the broadcaster.
“To be clear, I-league clubs are not refusing to participate in the league; we are prepared, willing, and ready to play our matches as soon as we have confirmation that Sony Network will be broadcasting the league, even if this necessitates a few-week delay.
“All I-League clubs stand together in our decision as this matter is not only about broadcast but the survival and future of our clubs and the I-league as a whole,” the letter stated.
Though it’s unclear if the season will begin on time, Gokulam Kerala owner VC Praveen told PTI that his team is already in Hyderabad.
With Mohammedan Sporting leaving the I-League after a strong season and Sporting Club Bengaluru making their debut after an outstanding I-League 2 campaign, this season features a new generation of competitors.
After a few years of hardship, former champions Aizawl FC will try to relive their glory, while two-time winners Churchill Brothers want to do the same.
After a nine-year break, Dempo SC, one of the most successful clubs in I-League history, is returning to the top division with the goal of adding to their five championship victories.
As the first team to successfully defend the title, Gokulam Kerala will look to win their third trophy, although they will have to replace Alex Sanchez, who was the team’s leading scorer the previous season.
The I-League’s newest team, Inter Kashi, will try to build on their strong fourth-place showing in their first season.
After finishing in a respectable tenth place the previous season, Namdhari FC has brought in new players in an attempt to improve under Argentine coach Fernando Capobianco.
With a completely new team assembled, Rajasthan United is attempting to rebuild under new coach Walter Caprile following a dismal season-ending campaign.
Despite losing some important players, Real Kashmir, who are renowned for their strong defense and home field advantage, are eager to keep their spot among the league’s best clubs.
Following a successful start to the previous campaign, Shillong Lajong hopes to improve consistency under new coach Jose Hevia.
Sporting Club Bengaluru, meanwhile, will be hoping to make a significant impact in their inaugural I-League season after an incredible ascent through the leagues.
The runners-up from the previous two seasons, Sreenidi Deccan, will be keen to advance and win the championship.
Teams: Rajasthan United FC, Real Kashmir FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Sporting Club Bengaluru, Aizawl FC, Churchill Brothers, FC Goa, Delhi FC, Dempo SC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Inter Kashi, Namdhari Sports Academy.
