This merger sounds like some of the I league clubs are planning for a back door entry into the top tier (ISL)...Its not that MCFC is forcing this merger. According to TOI report, its Essel group that is interested in buying a stake in MCFC and not the other way round. Interesting.
I league clubs apart from top 3 will fade away once the merger happens and they will obviously want to remain relevant and merging with isl clubs will help both the entities. There were also talks of one of the Bengal teams merging with ATK and a Goan team merging with FC Goa as well. For clubs not having the cash but desire to play in the top league,this is a sensible option.
I am just going to assume this: The Indian Super League is about to go from a 2-3 month league to a 5-7 month league, you are going to need more money for this, specially since you need to pay more players full year contracts. Ranbir Kapoor has money but Essel Group would provide more. The team would also provide a good youth program already started and honestly, MCFC have not been that bad on the youth development front.
Ranbir will obviously stay, specially for the glamour and such but Essel Group would provide a boost.
I don't know how aiff will manage the proposed 3/ 4 tier ( after some years ) system if this mergers, folding ups, withdrawals happen. Who will play in tier 2 and 3 ( it needs 20 clubs with power to spend at least few crores a year without any hope for positive return ) . Sadly at this rate , at the end of the day only ISL will remain and all other footballing institutions will be vanished . that would be disastrous for indian football to be honest.
And mate what is back door entry ? How ISL clubs has entered the scenario of Indian Football? Isn't that franchise fee sounds like bribery to buy a spot at top division, or like management quota. If you have money you can do everything like attitude.
Not sure about League 1 but you can bet League 2 will be a regional based league and will feature semi-professional teams... they can do it. It's pretty much the I-League 2nd Division of a few years ago.
Comments
Essel are business people and they know if there is chance of getting any profit it shall happen only in mumbai (in maharashtra)
There were also talks of one of the Bengal teams merging with ATK and a Goan team merging with FC Goa as well. For clubs not having the cash but desire to play in the top league,this is a sensible option.
http://www.therichest.com/celebnetworth/celebrity-business/men/subhash-chandra-net-worth/
As compared to that, on paper owner of Mumbai City FC is Actor Ranbir Kapoor and a Chartered Accountant Parekh.
Are they selling Mumbai City FC to Mumbai FC owner? Or they can piggy-ride on Mumbai FC youth program and AFC recognised status if merger do happen.
I am just going to assume this: The Indian Super League is about to go from a 2-3 month league to a 5-7 month league, you are going to need more money for this, specially since you need to pay more players full year contracts. Ranbir Kapoor has money but Essel Group would provide more. The team would also provide a good youth program already started and honestly, MCFC have not been that bad on the youth development front.
Ranbir will obviously stay, specially for the glamour and such but Essel Group would provide a boost.