The tussle between Kolkata soccer giants and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has got a touch of political flavour to it.
A week after some I-League clubs writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an inquiry into functioning of AIFF, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Friday held talks with authorities of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal clubs to revive the league.
I-League has traditionally been the country's premier football league. However, due to the increasing popularity of Indian Super League (ISL), the AIFF, headed by Praful Patel, wants ISL champions to participate in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Till date, this opportunity was given to the champions of the I-League. As a result, the I-League clubs have decided to seek PM's help through discussions with Vijayvargiya.
Speaking to DNA, Vijayvargiya said, "I had a discussion with the officials from both the clubs, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. They seem worried. However, I have ensured them that their problem will be solved."
He also added that he had a chat with Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. "Whatever is beneficial for the sport and the club, we will do that," the BJP leader said. "If the league is troubled, that means the club is in trouble, and by extension the game. Therefore, we will do our best to solve the problem," he added.
Mohun Bagan's finance secretary Debashish Dutta said, "The talks with Kailash Vijayvargiya were successful. We ask for respect, we should not be compared with a 4-5-year-old franchise. Kailashji, as well as the sports minister, has assured us that they will look after the issue." He also said they have written a proposal to Patel explaining their plan for the next four years.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Mukul Roy said, "They have talked to me too. It seems there is a tiff between the two leagues, ISL and I-League. The I-League clubs have sought PM's intervention through talks with Vijayvargiya," Roy said.
Zee Media Newsroom
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 "Kailash Vijayvargiya, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal football clubs")
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