For when “the Sleeping Giant” wakes up.
Back in 2012, then FIFA president Sepp Blatter had said that Sleeping Giant is waking up after AIFF, the governing body of Indian Football described its plan of bidding for the rights of hosting two world championships, Club World cup 2015 and U-17 World cup in 2017.
Over the years, a lot has changed in the world football scenario, Sepp Blatter was banned as FIFA President for 6 years, Germany won the 2014 world cup for the fourth time, Zlatan alone became Superpower like Chuck Norris or Rajnikanth, while in India, ISL was launched and became the fourth most watched league in the world, while the country also earned the rights to host U-17 World cup in 2017.
But despite the positive looking strides, the Indian Football Scenario has been changing for worse. The poor performance of the National team at the World Cup Qualifiers and then with the never-ending controversy of ISL-I league merger has brought in a whole new conundrum for the AIFF to worry about. The Sleeping Giants – AIFF, that was supposed to be waking up has gone back to its slumber.
The ISL-I League issue that had first started as concerns back during its inception regarding which is the board’s first priority, that later boiled down to an unnecessary controversy by its third year. The board’s failure to merge both entities keeping everyone happy has failed resulting into the neglected I-league clubs to write this issue to FIFA and AFC. According to the last update, AFC has appointed its own team to supervise the AIFF’s committee to draw a better road map of Indian football, while FIFA has asked to keep it posted with each update. The year 2017 will be playing a huge factor in deciding the fate of Indian football. A magnificent hosting of U-17 World Cup and a successful merger between the two conflicting leagues will be a huge boost to not just Indian football, but the whole Asian Football. Both FIFA and AFC know the Importance of Indian Audience and what it can bring to their table.
Right now, European Leagues and competitions are watched all around the world, while during the world cups or other International cups, there is no lack of support for South American sides as well. While on the Asian sides, apart from 7-8 countries, there aren’t many opportunities for either the game or sponsors. Indian football being a part of major International competitions by next few years can change the dynamics of the Asian football. A look at the most popular game in India- Cricket will show you how a game can bring a complete set of new Standards, Style and fans, which would be followed by brands and money with it.
During 1960’s Football, Hockey and Cricket all occupied the same space among the Indian Audience or maybe a little more space for hockey. But since 1970, when Indian Cricket team started winning internationally the shift began, with Sunil Gavaskar being the role model for almost all Indians. By the end of 1980’s, Failure of Indian Hockey and Football’s team meant the gap would just increase, while the Indian Cricket team had already won World Cup and World Championships. With the emergence of Sachin Tendulkar in 1990’s along with India’s booming economy power coincided with Cricket taking the number 1 spot in the country’s sports followers list, while football just went the other way. While the rise of Television Industry was the important factor in popularizing the Cricket, Indian Football failed to capitalise the opportunity. Despite coming up with various leagues, the restriction of games popularity within certain places meant Indian football never got to reach its full potentials.
But that could change in the near future, Clubs like Bengaluru FC, DSK Shivajians are investing in the youth setup, while ISL clubs are contracted to start their own U-19 and further youth teams in near future. Importance to a proper youth setup and spreading the game throughout the whole country will help in reigniting the lost passion for the game. Both FIFA and AFC has been patient with the India’s slow growth in this regard and the recent turmoil’s in the Indian football environment has made them take a special interest.
India has managed to change dynamics of any sectors once they have got involved, be it the economy, nuclear power or Cricket, we have always managed to create our own space. Next few months will be a testing period for AIFF to come up with a better solution, while FIFA and AFC will be keeping a tab on it, because nobody would want to underestimates India’s potential 1.2 billion market strength, they would just want to be prepared, for when ‘the Sleeping Giant’ wakes up, Football will have a whole new world to explore.
Thank you and hope it was a good a read for you! Keep following us at www.footballcounter.com, for daily Mumbai Football update and featured articles. Some Sunday specials even! Happy weekend.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Odisha FC wins their first-ever playoff match to qualify for semi-final with comeback victory against Kerala Blasters FC
Bhubaneswar, April 19: Odisha FC qualified for the semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 by beating Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar tonight. Accordingly,…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…