JOIN USThe All India Football Federation fully backs the IPL-style Premier League Soccer, to be held in Bengal, but wants “correct procedures” to be followed regarding the participation of active international stars, a top official said on Thursday.
Some media reports had suggested that the AIFF was not happy with the conduct of the tournament as the organisers did not keep the federation in the loop but general secretary Kushal Das made it clear that the event has their backing except in matters concerning the international players.
Das said the AIFF has given permission to the Indian Football Association (the West Bengal state association) to hold the tournament, which has attracted the likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Hernan Crespo, Robert Pires and Robbie Fowler.
“We fully backed the tournament. We have given written permission to the IFA to hold the tournament. Our only concern is that we want correct procedures to be taken on the participation of international players,” he said.
“A few international players are still active. We have to ensure correct international transfer management in their case. If there is any problem in their case, say if there arises any issues regarding their salary payment, FIFA will hold AIFF responsible. We don’t want to tarnish the image of AIFF and Bengal football,” he said.
He said the emergency committee of the AIFF, comprising the president, general secretary and five vice-presidents, will meet here in the second half of this month to ensure that “correct procedures” are in place.
Das said that I-League players will not be allowed to take part in the seven-week PLS, likely to start next month. “The understanding has been that the I-League players will not take part in the tournament,” he said.