New Delhi: All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das has finally decided to break his silence on the raging controversy that has hit the federation after seven I-League clubs decided to “boycott” the Super Cup last month.
Expressing his deep disappointment over the attitude of the clubs, Das said he was pained to see how certain clubs in the I-League were maligning the federation almost on a daily basis.
Speaking to IANS, Das made it clear that the aggressive stance taken by the I-League clubs would only complicate matters.
“At times, there are clubs, who, on a regular basis, bring the federation to disrepute by saying all kinds of things.
That is something not acceptable. No federation in the world would tolerate this kind of things.
“The clubs are always free to give their opinion, but cannot malign the parent body. Statements like the AIFF is a sold out body and partial is absolutely not acceptable and strictest measures have to be taken,” Das added.
I-League clubs had refused to play the Super Cup in Bhubaneswar in March demanding an immediate meeting with AIFF president Praful Patel to decide the future roadmap of Indian football.
However, the clubs did not return to the field even after Patel assured them of a meeting in April. Some clubs alleged the federation was working against their interest. The matter has now been referred to the disciplinary committee, who will meet in Delhi on April 27 and 28 to decide on the issue.
Das said the clubs were trying to create an issue that simply does not exist. “Instead of coming together to discuss the matter with the federation and our marketing partners to find a solution that would benefit both in the longrun, they (the clubs) have almost tried to rebel against the federation. That won’t help.” he said. (IANS)
