Uncertainty over possible AIFF XI team from Delhi
AGENCIES
KOLKATA, JUNE 6
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has called for a meeting with the probable list of AIFF XI players as a first step towards forming the new I-League team from the national capital.
As part of their preparation for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, the Indian National team think-tank considered it a viable option to get the youngsters who don’t avail an opportunity at the club level to be part of a group where they could gain experience and enough match time in order to gel together.
The same group of boys would represent India at the Asian Games this November instead of the U-23 side which won the SAFF Cup under Sukhwinder Singh.
It is believed that the youngsters would be briefed about the plan the AIFF has for them though the contract negotiations isn’t part of the agenda.
Interestingly, the likes of Pune FC, Dempo SC and East Bengal have refused to budge to the AIFF and aren’t keen to relieving their players who are on long term contracts to be part of the Delhi team.
The only interaction between the AIFF and the clubs over this issue has been a circular which stated the name of the probables for the I-League team from Delhi and that they shall be contracted by the AIFF for a period of four years.
One has to question as to why the I-League clubs were never taken into confidence and only sent a letter informing them about the brief plan which never really gave a chance for a dialogue between the two parties.
The AIFF XI might just not actualize given that the proceedings are way behind than what it must be at this stage.
The Goa Football Association (GFA) ensures that every club in the top division shall play at least two U-19 players in their starting line-up. Many opine that a similar proposition be introduced in the I-League as well which shall guarantee that the youngsters that the youngsters do get playing time.
