Patel to make ISL the tournament of the SAFF Region

Indian Super League undoubtedly remained one of the most overwhelming tournaments in the year 2014. With the first edition being launched, the tournament has pulled a huge number of crowds from all parts of the nation. All India Football Federation (AIFF) surely holds a lion’s share of the pie in making this tournament a grand success.

AIFF President Praful Patel advocated the idea of making ISL a ‘Tournament for the Region.’ Mr. Patel has been one of the panellists in the 3rd International Convention on Football Business at the FICCI House. Referring to the Hero Indian Super League in the panel discussion ‘Football on SAARC’ teaming the SAARC Football, Football in South Asia. Mr. Patel stated, “The ISL is a Tournament of India. But I want it to be the Tournament of the SAFF region. Mamunul, the Bangladesh National Team Captain was a part of the triumphant Atletico de Kolkata in inaugural edition of the Hero Indian Super League while Haroon Fakhruddin, the National Team Captain of Afghanistan was one of the key Players for FC Goa.”

The numbers can increase in the coming years, as expected by Patel. Patel’s initiatives have been largely complemented by Mr. Dasho Ugyen Dorji, President of Bhutan Football Federation, admitted that the Football scenario in the SAFF region would transform with the ‘emergence of the Hero Indian Super League.’ The interest that has been generated will help Football to grow in the region which will benefit too. Patel recollected that the planning stage of the Indian Super League (ISL) where everyone doubted the decision of All India Football Federation (AIFF). Praful Patel contributions have been the most relevant and integral factors which have propelled the success of ISL. 

Patel said that there have been a lot scepticism and criticism regarding ISL but it paved to be a new direction to Indian Football. ISL has been successful in adding much fillip and boost to Indian Football. It is important for the sport to improve and to enhance the standard of the competition in the most professional manner.