Sports Minister Vijay Goel today said he will speak to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on the issue of I-League champions Aizawl FC threatening a fast unto death if they are left out of a proposed unified league’s top tier.
“As far as the controversy between Aizawl FC and Indian Super League (ISL) is concerned, I’m going to talk to the AIFF. Definitely I would like to take their case up at AIFF,” Goel said during his inspection of the Salt Lake Stadium’s preparation for the U-17 World Cup in October.
Goel, however, said he’s yet to receive any official letter from the I-League champions.
Ironically, Aizawl are not a part of the merger plans and stare at relegation into second division.
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In the new ISL, the existing eight clubs will be joined by at least three I-League clubs. The AIFF is in talks with Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
In a statement, the club said it had submitted a “formal claim to the AIFF to continue in the top league even after proposed merger of the existing top league with the ISL.”
{{/usCountry}}In a statement, the club said it had submitted a “formal claim to the AIFF to continue in the top league even after proposed merger of the existing top league with the ISL.”
{{/usCountry}}Aizawl FC said they would approach PM Narendra Modi and Asian Football Confederation president Salman Bin Ibrahim Al- Khalifa if they are denied an opportunity to defend their I- League title next season.
The Mizo side also threatened to resort to fast unto death if the AIFF relegates the club to the second division, as is being widely speculated.