Instead of strengthening I-League, it is going to make it weaker. We should have focussed on bringing corporate owned teams like BFC in I-League. Instead we have a sham league and corporates will go there-if any.
@rudra ; I only see those 8k supporters of BFC growing into a very bigger fan base. I won't be surprised, if BFC gets full packed stadium of 25k after the construction of new stadium. I agree I League is not successful as we expect. But for that sake, we can't put our trust on some 2 month exhibition called ISL.Those ISL fans will be watching matches only for their favorite players from european clubs.
We have to create a true football culture. Rather than creating a "football entertainment" culture.
My fear is that this league is used for promotion of stars like Tendulkar, Ganguly, Ranbir Kapoor, Salman khan during World cup Football and the brands they endorse that look-these stars are associated with Football.
@Rudra, it started with Lithinthomas' wish of the Kochi franchisee developing local players.
There is no question of development of football here. AIFF is NOT well intentioned: they care the least. If they cared, they would at least give a shot at improving the I-league. It is about creating some hype and sharing the pie.
Owner of Mumbai Franchise is Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh.
Bimal Parekh is a Chartered Accountant of Film Stars like Ranbir Kapoor, katrina Kaif, Amir Khan. This sham league looks like a way to convert black money to white and tax stealing by celebrities-not directly but by their accountants/promoters.
Malayalam media and newspapers are highly promoting the news of Sachin Tendulkar getting Kochi franchisee. Front page news , sports page news, even a editorial by Malayala Manorama. actors mohan lal, mamooty also saying it will help Indian football. Even IM Vijayan is excited bcoz there is no i league team from kerala and isl club will bring glory of kerala football back. He says to imagine Henry and Beckham playing in Kochi stadium amongst large number of fans. There will be 4 guranteed malayalee players in kochi team.
I don't know why people are criticizing ISL so strongly. We have given so much time to NFL / I league it never fulfilled our expectations. Corporate teams like Mahindra, JCT shut their door down. So give ISL a chance.
And for an example one single FIFA friendly between Argentina and Venezuela gave YBK a complete make over. Our infrastructure may not be improved overnight but they may get a makeover due to ISL.
Comments
We have to create a true football culture. Rather than creating a "football entertainment" culture.
There is no question of development of football here. AIFF is NOT well intentioned: they care the least. If they cared, they would at least give a shot at improving the I-league. It is about creating some hype and sharing the pie.
Bimal Parekh is a Chartered Accountant of Film Stars like Ranbir Kapoor, katrina Kaif, Amir Khan. This sham league looks like a way to convert black money to white and tax stealing by celebrities-not directly but by their accountants/promoters.