Kolkata
Bhutia also advocated introduction of a promotion-relegation system if the ISL wants to attract more eyeballs. “For ISL also, it’s very important that clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are there. It’s not just the future of I-League. The future of ISL is also in big doubt. There is a big question mark,” said Bhutia.
Eight I-League clubs, including East Bengal and Bagan, recently wrote to All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel requesting a meeting to ‘seek answers’ regarding the league’s future. They also complained about ‘interference’ of the apex body’s marketing partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) in the sport’s decision making.
The letter said the I-League teams also wish to discuss potential relegation to second division in Indian football, with ISL ‘all set to be branded the top league of the country.’
“Until and unless you have teams like EB and Bagan who are very passionate and have the kind of fan following you don’t have in the top league... the excitement won’t really come in. So, the ISL also benefits bringing clubs from I-League up. These teams have history, passion and fan following,” added Bhutia.
I-League has some lesser lights in terms of bank balance like former champion Aizawl FC, holder Minerva Punjab FC and Chennai City FC, the one on the cusp of winning the title. Bhutia explained the concern over paying the hefty franchise fee for ISL would be gone once there is a promotion-relegation system.
“It’s also important to bring relegation and promotion. If you go on promotion and relegation, you don’t have to pay franchise fee,” he said. Talking about table-topper Chennai City’s dream run in I-League this season, Bhutia stated it’s great to see a team from Tamil Nadu doing so well despite the state not having much of a football history.
“I think in a way it’s wonderful that a team from South (India) is going to win, especially from TN. I think this is going to motivate a lot of footballers there.”
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