The two Kolkata clubs, who now play in the I-League, have put out various conditions before the AIFF for their inclusion in the Indian Super League (ISL). Our entry into the coveted Indian Super League reinforces our commitment to provide a fillip to the development of football in the country.
Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal were also in talks with the AIFF in recent days over their inclusion in the ISL.
The bone of contention for the Kolkata clubs was the I-League running simultaneously and also the fact that I-League will lose its sheen if both leagues were to run together. That said, the endorsement of the most successful team in terms of titles across the last four seasons in Indian football in Bengaluru, and of the Tatas, a corporate group that has fielded football teams in Mumbai and run India's first football academy in Jamshedpur since the 1980s, gives the ISL the credibility it has long craved. The next edition of the ISL will be played across 10 cities with Bengaluru FC, through Jindal South West (JSW) Group, and Tata Steel Ltd, winning the bids.
According to the roadmap of the AIFF, which though is yet to be finalised, the Indian domestic football structure will have three tiers with the ISL being the top league and the current I-League and second division I-League being christened as League 1 and League 2. Should the Super Cup proposal fall through, I-League winners will get a spot in the lucrative AFC Champions League play-off.In reality, the I-League is on its last leg."The AIFF wanted a merger".
'Kumble remains India coach till Windies tour'
The COA, now a three-member panel after the controversial exit of historian Ramachandra Guha, had a day long meeting here. India play their first match against West Indies on June 23.
Meanwhile, Parth Jindal, CEO of Bangaluru FC stated that JSW Steel opted to enter ISL with the best interests of Indian football in mind. "A lot of time and thought has gone into our decision of wanting to be part of the league".
"We're glad that our bid to be part of the ISL has been accepted".
Established in Jamshedpur in 1987, the objective of TFA has been to nurture and train budding footballers in the most scientific way to improve the standard of Indian football by producing outstanding players for the Indian National Team.
Two of the biggest steel magnates in the country have been allotted ISL franchises... "Their contribution to Indian football has been vast and will only set the high standards in ISL".
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