The All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel feels the Indian Super League (ISL) scheduled to kick-off in September 2014 will “kick-start a new era” for Indian Football.

“FIFA’s moto says the game needs to be commercialized. I am keenly looking forward to the Indian Super League which I believe will bring in a commercial value to the sport in the Country,” he said at an elite gathering in Mumbai. “I congratulate IMG-Reliance for their continuous support and look forward to for the new initiative.”

Owners and representatives from all the Indian Super League Franchises including Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood actor John Abraham were present in the gathering, as was Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India. The occasion was also graced by Mrs. Nita Ambani.

“Dynamic days are ahead for Indian Football,” Patel, under whose leadership India successfully bid for hosting the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, echoed. “We will be playing host to the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup. But it’s pertinent the momentum needs to be sustained,” he opined.

“Keeping it in mind, we are now bidding for the two successive editions of the Club World Cup in 2017 and 2018. If we are successful, the respective I-League Champions of the two editions will get a chance to rub shoulders with the best of the World,” he pronounced.

“I sincerely hope and at stay confident that all the initiatives would take Indian football to newer heights and open the doors of World Football to India at the same time providing the impetus which we require to be a dominant force,” he maintained.

(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)