I'm not against i league by the way. Slow but steadily developing league is better than buzz I know that. But Problem of I league is the league itself is not a good package. Yes bfc done a very good job this year. But it can't be a one team show. Here in Bengal the common people only talk about derbies. Many of my friend don't even know the name United sc or say shilling lajong. The league is like a packet of nuts in which one or two are fresh & in good condition others are rotten. How can you sell this product in a very competitive market ( epl, la liga, ligue1 all are available on tv)
@footydip And this is why I advocate for more direct-entry teams rather than these community clubs. Why? For what you said. The competitive market. The fact your friends don't know United or Shillong Lajong. The rotten nuts. All of this.
You need money these days and proper organization if you are to be successful in India and if you have these things then, believe it or not, a league which runs for 6-9 months a year on the 3+1 AFC rules can be successful. Imagine an I-League with 8 Bengaluru FC type teams, teams with 8,000-10,000 or more in attendance. Even with the poor football, the fanfare would be enough to attract people to the games and the good organization.
Also, if IMG-Reliance chipped in with some luxury friendlies like more "India vs Bayern Munich" games then the popularity of the league and Indian football will rise. It is possible but sadly they are going in the wrong direction.
This is also why I advocate for a hiatus or an early announcement for a re-launched league because, again, the current model won't work and ya, the league name is kinda tarnished and ruined now. When you think of I-League you think of nothing but negatives. Indian football needs a league that people can be proud of and a league the people know can get us to the next level.
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