Bhaichung Bhutia: Absence of promotion and Relegations system could affect the motivation and hunger among lower Division clubs and Players
Like many I-league fans and teams, Indian FA’s Technical Committee chairman Bhaichung Bhutia shared a common notion that absence of promotion and Relegations system in the proposed roadmap could affect the motivation and hunger for better among the proposed 2nd Division and 3rd Division team’s i.e. current I-league and 2nd Division I-league teams.
Non ISL Clubs and players alike, plying their trade at lower leagues would be robbed of any opportunities of playing in the country’s top league. In the AIFF working committee meeting regarding the issues on I-league-ISL merger, Former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia put forth the point that the promotion-relegation absence meant clubs from lower division would refrain from investing in their teams, which would certainly mean a bad news for their players. This would eventually mean affect on standard of the game from lower down the leagues, which could dent future growth.
Furthur he went on that the there were some resistance to the idea of promotion and relegation because of some contractual obligations. For which suggestions were made that it be included in next two-three years, so that clubs from lower division doesn’t lose their interest and have some motivation in entering the top league, which could correspond in their investments.
Bhaichung bhutia also supported the inclusion of I-league clubs named after city as opposed to clubs named after their owners like Dempo FC or Salgaocar FC.
“I believe those clubs whose names are after the city should get preference as they may strike some chord with the fans as opposed to corporate clubs. They may have the financial backing but that wouldn’t necessarily translate into fans thronging to watch their matches which in turn wouldn’t be good for the league,” he explained.
According to him, there were positive aspects in the original Roadmap drawn in May 17 this year, were almost all the stakeholders of Indian football presented their opinion. Taking football to newer centers, where there is no ISL or I league teams to expand the football’s demography in India. At the end, Bhutia stated that there were few suggestions that were put forward in the meeting which would be further probed in internal discussions.
FootballCounter hopes this issue gets sorted out with mutual discussion among all other stakeholders. The ISL-I league merger saga has been dragging quite a long time now, with Mumbai FC, Salgaocar FC and others reporting to FIFA and AFC regarding these issue, It is important AIFF sort out this mess, before FIFA decide to take any strict action against the federation, which could further affect the game in India.
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
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…