In an ambitious move with far-reaching consequences, the All India Football Federation is mulling over exempting I-League players from their respective State leagues and other tournaments. The AIFF might table the ground-breaking proposal in its Annual General Body Meeting slated on December 23.

AIFF has already written to all state associations seeking feedback on the step which would alter the existing football structure in the country in a big way. The primary motive behind the move is to address the problem of player burn-out and injuries, besides creating an identity for the I-League.

“Considering the ground conditions and the extensive travel, it is vital to provide players with adequate rest.  A top player can play a maximum of 60-65 matches a season. Once they are exempted from the local league, that would naturally enhance their performance,” asserted AIFF vice-president Vishwanathan.

Concern
Undoubtedly, the immediate benificiaries of the mooted step are the players. Indian skipper Baichung Bhutia, who had voiced concern over the hectic schedule, was guarded in his response.

“It all depends upon the format they come up with. It is about how matches are phased out so that there is enough recovery gap for the players. Let’s wait and watch,” Bhutia.
Meanwhile, his Mohun Bagan team-mate and international NS Manju said the move has both advantage and disadvantage. “If national league players are barred from playing local leagues, it would be a great opportunity for youngsters to expose themselves and show their ability. But, the problem is that whether people would come and watch the local matches once the star players are not there,” said Manju.
The AIFF too has not missed out the point on youth development and wants the clubs to foster second-string teams for local leagues and tournaments.

“It is the best way to promote talent at junior level. Clubs should also take interest in nurturing under-14, -16 and -19 teams and give them maximum exposure,” pointed out Vishwanathan. Though the state associations are not totally against exclusion plan, the move has not gone down all that well with them.

“I-League is most important and it is the showcase league in the country. But, our contention is that the local league should also be allowed to continue with its best players because it is that which produces future players,” said Savio Messias, secretary, Goan Football Association (GFA). The GFA, which has four of its teams vying for top honours in the 10-team I-League, has shot a four-point proposal to AIFF and a major request is that I-League should be conducted concurrently with local leagues.

“This year we were forced to conduct the local league during monsoon and that was the wrong time. I-League should run concurrently with the state leagues from September to April. The former should be played on Saturdays and Sundays while latter should be conducted on weekdays.

Moreover, the financial aspect is also a major worry for state associations. “We are running on revenue from our league. So it is important that AIFF should compensate us to run our youth development programmes,” said Messias.

Utpal Ganguly, secretary of Indian Football Association, the organisers of Calcutta Premier League, echoed similar concern on revenue element. Further, Ganguly added that a separate set of foreigners should be allowed to play in the state league when the exemption comes into effect.

However, Vishwanathan allayed apprehensions on the financial side. “Initially, there would be some losses. But, once we settle down, the revenue will flow in gradually,” he said.

Even as the AIFF top brass weighs up the pros and cons of the move, whether the initiative would revolutionise the sport in the country remains to be seen.