AIFF squeezes the rule of marquee player

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has gone back on its own word and allowed the cluns to launch foreign players in the I-League even if they have not yet met the deadlines of the mandatory marquee signing. Notwithstanding, the reservations from some clubs that the rule will put a massive impact on their finances, the organization introduced the marquee player rule for the I-League this season making it obligatory for the clubs to sign a marquee player as part of their foreign quota.

But a few days ahead of the I-League opener on Saturday, the AIFF has taken a different route throwing a lifeline to struggling clubs who have been able to get a marquee player on board. AIFF President Praful Patel is playing an integral role when it comes to refurbishing I-League. In this regard the Churchill brothers have lost their appeal. The Club Licensing Appeals Committee has turned down the appeal from the Churchill Brothers Sports Club to allow them to continue in the I-League. The AIFF had reconvened a meeting of the Club Licensing Appeals Committee with a new chairman following orders from the Delhi High Court. A special panel met in Delhi and delivered the order.

Regarding the licensing policy, AIFF has already gained special accolades from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as it has shown an unprejudiced and unbiased approach in issuing license to the clubs. Under Praful Patel profile as the AIFF President, the organization has gained a lot of momentum in initializing some of the effective changes in professionalizing football. It has been already presented before the world that AIFF is giving the right effort and direction to the Indian Football team.

Recently in the Annual General Meeting of AIFF, Praful Patel has shown some of the horizons that could take Indian Football to a different level. The purpose of the organization is to develop the sport in the country both quantitatively and qualitatively. Patel said, “We have moved some significant steps forward but we have a long way to go. Indian football is certainly poised to take that big leap. In the last couple of years we have seen a distinct change in focus and every aspect of the game is being addressed holistically and scientifically on the lines of practices prevalent all over the world.” It has also been pointed out that the AIFF is working in close connection with FIFA and AFC who are showing ample interest in developing Indian Football and creating a roadmap of success.