1) That is essentially what is happening though, isn't it? The word "merging" is so loose here since only three clubs so far in the I-League might get into the ISL. Unless you mean the AIFF would allow Salgaocar to bid for a Pune franchise or something, which is crazy in itself.
2 and 3) Technically it is sanctioned by FIFA, but mainly as a tournament. If it is was not recognized or sanctioned then players who played in the ISL and only had contracts with the ISL would not have been allowed at all to play for India (or in Sony Norde's case, Haiti). The I-League is the official league cause it has always been and it continues to this day, the teams are eligible for Asia as well, but that does not mean it can not change in the future.
4) Fine, FIFA have not done much, as far as we know, but all the articles that have come out since the incident started between FC Goa and Chennaiyin have had mentions of how everything is being based on FIFA and AFC rules. Hell, FIFA officials attend ISL matches for god sake and they have ISL officials come to their Early Warning System events in India (subsidiary of FIFA)
5) Well, it is recognized. What they have to hide? I don't know but they are recognized by FIFA, that is for sure. They are just not seen as the official league of India, and that is correct.
Also 2017 has not become 2018. The plan is for 2017 but might have to be moved to 2018. Keep in mind that a lot of things might be happening between now and 2017... including the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the time a merged league would begin.
2017 would mean the season of 2017-18 and as we all know U-17 WC would force one league to change their schedule.. which is the reason they are expecting the merger there... in case they are not able to form a structure by that season.. we might see ISL and I-league both completed in 6 months with no federation cup or not have a season at all during that time officially and 2018-19 season would be having enough time to create a renewed club football structure..
I would be happy if we give a skip of footballing season for one year and come up with much clearer structure than being in the mess for longer time than one anticipates
I can imagine the ISL being moved from October-December to January-March or something. However, I believe it will be important to take advantage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup and try to get the new league started straight away.
So many questions though about the system. It will not just be the top division that will be decided but also the structure under it, the youth structures, states etc. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
We are giving too much credit to Aiff top management IQ here. Pretty sure that structure under top div hasn't even crossed their minds leave alone planning
Where is the earning potential there for them to even care? Otherwise nothing stops them from getting state/zonal leagues /ileague 2 /youth leagues in a sensible format even now...this leadership has been incharge for at least half a decade now
Opening bids for more teams is basically saying the remaining ileague clubs can pay money and come in. Chirag Tanna (current IMG-R and ex-PFC) did comment in media a few days ago that they are working with AIFF to complete the merger etc.
Comments
2 and 3) Technically it is sanctioned by FIFA, but mainly as a tournament. If it is was not recognized or sanctioned then players who played in the ISL and only had contracts with the ISL would not have been allowed at all to play for India (or in Sony Norde's case, Haiti). The I-League is the official league cause it has always been and it continues to this day, the teams are eligible for Asia as well, but that does not mean it can not change in the future.
4) Fine, FIFA have not done much, as far as we know, but all the articles that have come out since the incident started between FC Goa and Chennaiyin have had mentions of how everything is being based on FIFA and AFC rules. Hell, FIFA officials attend ISL matches for god sake and they have ISL officials come to their Early Warning System events in India (subsidiary of FIFA)
5) Well, it is recognized. What they have to hide? I don't know but they are recognized by FIFA, that is for sure. They are just not seen as the official league of India, and that is correct.
Also 2017 has not become 2018. The plan is for 2017 but might have to be moved to 2018. Keep in mind that a lot of things might be happening between now and 2017... including the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the time a merged league would begin.
I would be happy if we give a skip of footballing season for one year and come up with much clearer structure than being in the mess for longer time than one anticipates
So many questions though about the system. It will not just be the top division that will be decided but also the structure under it, the youth structures, states etc. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2016/03/16/21363172/kushal-das-dsk-shivajians-not-guaranteed-of-a-berth-in-case-of-a-