Yes, AIFF have played into the hands of IMG-R completely and without any options. Now they cannot afford to not liking the situation. Even if they do, they cannot influence anything. It is upto IMG-R whether they would allow a larger I-league, telecast of I-league 2 (or even I-league 1), stage Fed Cup, or play friendlies. All this decisions would be taken by -- "channeled through" -- IMG-R (the marketing agency for AIFF ). IMG-R would evaluate every proposal against its possible impact on the ISL and then decide (that is, kill). AIFF would only see it happening and do nothing.
AIFF is as clueless as us, the common football fans. Profool & Co don't mind, as they receive their cheques on a regular basis. Remember Profool's words: "If is (unification) happens, it happens; if it doesn't, it doesn't".
@samiam And your point? No one would watch a 2nd Division match, see a crowd and then not want to watch ISL when that is on and the 2nd Division isn't.
Again, nothing in the 2nd Division would pose any threat to IMG-R or the ISL... I doubt they care and what happened was more AIFF stupidity.
Ur just reinforcing our point Rohan that IMG is myopic and just plain ridiculous about "protecting" their circus. I league 2, state leagues (Bengal and Kerala proposed leagues) & inviting good foreign teams to play in Durand in no way threatens circus popularity but somehow they are not allowed
You do know all this has been going on before the ISL even began though, right? It is not as if Indian football was on this path to prosperity before the ISL or even before the deal was signed with IMG-Reliance back in 2009. You are missing the point. I believe IMG-Reliance, in their position, has fucked up so many times and only care about their product but at the same time, blame needs to be given to the AIFF for the fucked up treatment of the Fed Cup, 2nd Division etc. (Durand Cup is not an AIFF tournament and thus IMG-R shouldn't have a say in it and when did it have great foreign teams? You are thinking of the IFA Shield)
You are to set though on hating the ISL and IMG-R that you are blind to that though.
AIFF just needs to protect its right better, which I think can happen if there is a change of guard, and can legally challenge the contract if required. It'd be likely that the courts would rule in favour of the federation.
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AIFF is as clueless as us, the common football fans. Profool & Co don't mind, as they receive their cheques on a regular basis. Remember Profool's words: "If is (unification) happens, it happens; if it doesn't, it doesn't".
Again, nothing in the 2nd Division would pose any threat to IMG-R or the ISL... I doubt they care and what happened was more AIFF stupidity.
You are to set though on hating the ISL and IMG-R that you are blind to that though.
IMG Rel never gave up on their agenda or product in fact almost achieved it by making the top tier in the country.
Thats the willpower sorely missing in the guardian that is the AIFF.
No wonder top clubs in i-league are desparate to distance themselves from AiFF and are pushing for a one league agenda.
Far cry from 2013 when these same clubs laughed that ISL will never work here and placed a ban on transfers to ISL.
@7negi, please serve us what's cooking. Our plates are empty.