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One league or two, stories like Minerva will keep happening: I-League CEO

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has plan of blending both the leagues into one soon.

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I-League CEO Sunando Dhar
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Two back-to-back underdog success stories have given the I-League, an underdog in itself in Indian football currently compared to the cash-rich Indian Super League (ISL), a shot in the arm.

And, I-League CEO Sunando Dhar believes stories like that of Aizawl and Minerva Punjab's unexpected triumphs will keep coming out of Indian football even if I-League ceases to exist.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has plan of blending both the leagues into one soon.

"If you're talking about the development of Indian football, let's not restrict ourselves by talking only about ISL or I-League and whether they can compete or co-exist. What we have seen in the last few years is that the Indian football ecosystem is changing. It's great to see that teams are coming out from every nook and corner of India and doing well, as Aizawl and Minerva have proven," Dhar said on Friday.

"Our (AIFF's) responsibility is to give opportunity to teams. And if we give a proper chance to clubs, these stories will keep happening. That is important. Our intention is not to deprive anyone, it is to try and make the whole structure bigger and better for everyone concerned," he added.

Dhar believes that the timing of the merger of the two league will be imperative, saying the AIFF would do well to not hasten it.

"The plan is to have one league structure, where there would be one top league and one below that. I don't want to pinpoint a date to it. But it's more important to get it right, than to jump on to it. I think we're moving in the right direction as far as the footballing culture is concerned. Now, we need to get a few things in line.

"We have taken help from FIFA and AFC, and now once the Super Cup ends, we'll again sit on the drawing board and try and get it right. But this season has proved that we're moving in the right direction," he said..

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