ISL impasse deeply hurting football clubs

Going solo? Option open but AIFF chief feels collective agreement by all stakeholders would be better

- CHANDRA PRABHU @Chennai

THE fate of the Indian Super League is still hanging in the balance. Despite meetings with Indian Super League Clubs' representatives and also with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the commercial partner of All India Football Federation (AIFF) and organiser of ISL, there is still ambiguity over the event. This has also led to uncertain times for footballers, especially young and budding ones. And with three clubs, either halting operations or freezing payment, it's nervous times for all people associated with the league.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has been involved in trying to find an early solution so that players and the sport don't suffer. The impasse has led certain sections to claim that the AIFF is under undue pressure and also there is some kind of arm-twisting.

In a candid interview with this daily on some pointed and pertinent questions Chaubey has spoken about AIFF's position and how he was surprised to receive a letter from the 11 clubs in about 24 hours after the meeting on Thursday. He also spoke about how the AIFF has kept all options open. Excerpts

What is the future of ISL? Football is the most popular sport in the world and is equally popular in India. It is a global practice that a country must have a top-tier league with the league winner representing the country in continental competitions. Hence, the top-tier league must take place with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.