Representatives of I-League clubs during a meeting in New Delhi on June 24, 2019. (Photo courtesy: I-League clubs)
I-League clubs have released a joint statement after a meeting in New Delhi today.
We, the United I-League clubs met today in New Delhi to discuss our future course of action in light of the latest developments in Indian football. With media reports indicating that the ISL being announced as the top division league post an Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 3rd July 2019, the I-League clubs are standing united stronger than ever;
Quess East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Churchill Brothers, Minerva Punjab, Aizawl FC, NEROCA, and Gokulam Kerala FC have all decided to approach the appropriate courts for relief at the earliest as soon as any such decision announced by AIFF.The refusal of the President of AIFF to meet the I-League clubs inspite of several requests and the subsequent vindictive actions specifically towards the I-League clubs, combined with the coercive and blackmailing attitude of FSDL towards AIFF by refusing to make payments pushes the game to an uncertain future.
I-League has been the national league since 1996 and carries the tradition of Indian football with it. This tradition has helped create what football in India stands today and has been the torch bearer of Indian football. I-League has been the sole driving force in creating footballers and fans of the game in the country.
To be now told that the I-League will no longer be the TOP LEAGUE is completely unacceptable and illegal and we pledge to fight this together as ONE FOOTBALL FAMILY which carries the tradition of Indian football.