No long-term impact on Indian soccer: Praful Patel

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president, Praful Patel, told HT on Saturday that he didn't think Mahindra United's decision to disband would have a long-term impact on Indian football.

Updated on: May 1, 2010, 23:57:17 IST

Hindustan Times | By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata

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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president, Praful Patel, told HT on Saturday that he didn't think Mahindra United's decision to disband would have a long-term impact on Indian football.

"It is unfortunate that they have taken such decision, but I don't think it will really impact Indian football. Already, in Pune FC and Mumbai FC, we have two new teams from Maharashtra. So football here wasn't only about Air India and Mahindra United," said Patel.

"We are looking to expand the the I-League and we will definitely have the interests of Mumbai football in mind when that happens. There could even be a new team from Mumbai. Also, it isn't as if they (Mahindra United) have exited football. They will focus on grassroots."

Patel said the expansion, which will take the number of teams up by 2, to have 16 teams next season, will be based on recommendations from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dhiman Sarkar
Dhiman Sarkar is based in Kolkata and has been a sport journalist for over three decades. He writes mainly on football.

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