Sports Minister Vijay Goel said he will speak to the All India Football Federation on the issue of I-League champions Aizawl FC threatening a fast unto death if they are left out of a proposed unified league’s top tier, reported PTI on Thursday in Kolkata.
“As far as the controversy between Aizawl FC and Indian Super League is concerned, I’m going to talk to the AIFF. Definitely I would like to take their case up at AIFF,” Goel said during his inspection of the Salt Lake Stadium’s preparation for the U-17 World Cup in October.
Goel, however, said he is yet to receive any official letter from the I-League champions.
Ironically, Aizawl are not a part of the merger plans and stare at relegation into second division.
In a newly proposed version of the ISL, the existing eight clubs will be joined by at least three I-League clubs. The AIFF is in talks with Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
In a statement, the club said it had submitted a “formal claim to the AIFF to continue in the top league even after proposed merger of the existing top league with the ISL.”
Aizawl FC said they would approach PM Narendra Modi and Asian Football Confederation president Salman Bin Ibrahim Al- Khalifa if they are denied an opportunity to defend their I-League title next season.
The Mizo side also threatened to resort to fast unto death if the AIFF relegates the club to the second division, as is being widely speculated.
Under-17 World Cup venues at Kochi and Kolkata to be ready by May 30
The Sports Minister also expressed happiness over the preparation for the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in October and said both Kochi and Kolkata venues will be ready by May 30.
Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan’s preparation is well on track. The venue hosts the final of the mega event.
“I am quite satisfied with the progress here, though some finishing touches are needed. They will finish everything by May 30,” Goel told a news conference after an inspection of the stadium and training centres at the Sports Authority of India Eastern Centre Complex.
“At the Sports Authority of India Complex, some work related to changing room and floodlights are being done. I have given them instruction to finish work by May 30.”
Goel earlier went to Kochi where he was disappointed with the progress work but Goel today said they would also finish by May 30.
“There has been a lot of delay in work at the Jawaharlal Nehru Athletic Stadium. But they have assured that latest by May 30 the work will be finished. I will come back again and play a demonstration match when the venue is ready.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking special interest.
I want it to be organised in a proper way. We will finish the work by May 30 at any cost. We will coordinate from Delhi.”
Goel, who will next head to Navi Mumbai and then Guwahati, said they would try to ensure that all stadiums are packed during the tournament as they have plan to engage 15,000 schools.
“In FIFA preparation meetings, our full effort has been to ensure that not a single stadium remains empty. We want to see that the stadiums look small. We will try to ensure that the fever of football is spread across India.”
“It’s a great opportunity and proud moment for India that for the first time India will host the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Through this World Cup, we will touch 15,000 schools and will reach Mission 11 Million.”
“We have also distributed football to Parliament members to promote the sport in their constituency. I will also have the same message for the Chief Minister of West Bengal.
“The good news is our ranking has progressed.”