Football
ISL 2020-21: Report — No change in format as AIFF seeks exemption from AFC
The Committee discussed and felt that as per the AFC regulation, clubs playing in the ISL need to play more matches for the holistic development of players.
Mr. Praful Patel, President, All India Football Federation chaired AIFF’s Executive Committee Meeting held via video conferencing on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.
The Committee discussed and felt that as per the AFC regulation of clubs needing to play minimum 27 matches for them to gain eligibility to play in the AFC Champions League, clubs playing in the Indian Super League (ISL) need to play more matches not just to adhere to the guidelines, but also for the holistic development of players, and Indian Football overall.
As per a report in the Times of India, though, the expansion will be put on hold for this season owing to the current circumstances and the AIFF will seek a one-year exemption from the AFC.
FSDL will work with the AIFF and will present a plan to the Executive Committee on the way forward for foreign players in the next couple of months. The AIFF Executive Committee recommended this plan be made so that it can be implemented by 2021-22. ISL clubs were also urged to field women's teams in the Indian Women's League (IWL).
Besides Senior Vice President Mr. Subrata Dutta, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, Vice Presidents Mr. Manvendra Singh, Mr. Larsing Ming, Mr. KMI Mather, Mr. Subhash Chopra, and AIFF Treasurer Mr. ZA Thakur -- all other Executive Committee members attended the meeting.
Mr. Martin Bain, CEO FSDL, Mr. Chirag Tanna, Mr. Rochak Langer and Mrs. Priti Srivastava representing FSDL attended the meeting as invitees. AIFF Technical Director Mr. Isac Doru was also present.
The Committee also condoled the demises of Mr. PK Banerjee, Mr. Chuni Goswami, and Mr. Abdul Latif, Mr. Ashok Chatterjee, and Mr. Rajendra Mohan, and observed a minute’s silence bowing their heads as a mark of respect for the departed souls.
