AIFF upset over SAI turnaround

 The All India Football Federation is set to write to Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken after SAI turned down its proposal to sponsor the national team’s preparatory tour to Dubai ahead of the much-important AFC Challenge Cup.

Moments after the Sports Authority of India justified its refusal to bear Rs 50 lakh for the football team’s preparatory tour on Wednesday, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das shot back, “I am going to write to sports minister Ajay Maken saying that this is not fair,” Das told PTI.

Das added that the trip was planned only after getting an assurance from SAI.

Desh Deepak Verma, Director General, SAI, justified their stand, saying that football is not a “priority” for the body ahead of the London Olympics. This despite football being listed as priority sport in sports ministry’s Priority ‘A’ list.

“We are not funding their (preparatory) trip as it is not our priority at the moment. Our main priority is Olympics and we are providing all the financial assistance to those who have already qualified or are medal hopefuls,” said Verma.

As per the rule, the AIFF is entitled to avail two all-expenses tour under the LTDP scheme.

Since it did not avail the opportunity this year, the AIFF decided to apply for the preparatory tour. But SAI’s last-minute U-turn has left the federation in the lurch.

Verma said that SAI will fund the team’s trip to Kathmandu for the AFC Challenge Cup, to be held in March.

Das brushed aside Verma’s assurances. A 30-member Indian team meanwhile left for Dubai on Wednesday night.