New Delhi: I-League clubs have threatened to boycott its 2024-25 edition over the All India Football Federation’s “unfulfilled promises” regarding broadcast of matches, a week ahead of its scheduled kick-off on November 22.
In a letter sent to AIFF secretary Anilkumar Prabhakaran on Thursday, I-League Clubs Association demanded an immediate resolution to broadcasting commitments as no communication has been forthcoming on it.
The clubs claimed a “continued lack of response” from the AIFF despite repeatedly seeking clarity, hence being left with no other option but to considering boycotting the 18th edition of India’s football’s second division.
Twelve teams are supposed to compete on a home and away double round-robin format over five months to become champions and secure promotion to the top-flight Indian Super League.
The AIFF had met with the clubs on October 24 to find a way past hurdles over finalisation of venues, fixtures and broadcast, following which the match schedule was announced.
Though venues for 54 games were yet to be identified, the AIFF unveiled a full match list of 132 games that was initially intended for an October 19 start but got delayed over hold-up in venue confirmation and broadcast finalisation.
“During our recent meeting, all clubs in the I-League reached a unanimous conclusion regarding the promises that have gone unfulfilled. We were assured that the I-League would be broadcast on Sony this season, which is crucial for maintaining visibility and growth for our clubs and the league itself.
“However, with only one week remaining until the season’s scheduled start, no broadcaster has been formally announced, putting us in a precarious position regarding our league’s future and its exposure to the public,” I-League Clubs Association president Ranjit Bajaj said in the letter in possession of News9 Sports.
“As a result, we, the I-League clubs, have collectively decided that we will not participate in the I-League unless and until the broadcast agreement with Sony is confirmed, ensuring that the first match and all subsequent matches will be televised as promised.
“We believe this decision is necessary to uphold the integrity and professional standards of the league and protect the interests of our clubs, players, and supporters.”
Delay in commencement
All 12 clubs were in agreement over contents of the letter and hope for immediate action to resolve the issue for which the AIFF had floated a tender on October 1, resulting in only one bid from a Kolkata-based company, with no Indian broadcaster announcing placing a bid.
The AIFF has now sought a detailed plan from the Kolkata-based company, who plan to beam matches through its yet to be launched OTT app.
“Talks are also on with public broadcaster DD Sports though it would only proceed once the AIFF gives us the hosting rights,” an official of the company said, without willing to disclose his identity.
“We have floated to invite the potential sponsors on board and the initiative to bring the telecasting partners and broadcasting team on board for all the I-league matches, including the Indian Women’s League and other elite group of competitions.
“Hopefully, we will be able to complete this process by the second week of November as the first match is on 22nd November,” Anilkumar had said in a statement on Oct 24.
Since no announcement within the set deadline was made, anxiety of I-league clubs have reached an unbearable level, resulting in the letter.
On August 12, they had been assured of improved broadcast production quality on condition that participating teams meet minimum infrastructural requirements.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an AIFF source said the broadcaster would be announced in the next couple of days.
The source wondered how will the AIFF announce a broadcaster when at least five clubs are struggling to identify their home grounds.
“Many clubs have not only failed to submit the entry fee of Rs 7 lakh yet, today being its last date, they also haven’t registered the minimum 20 players required,” he disclosed.
“Those who have registered have not submitted supporting documents,” he added, pointing out the clubs have to hold up their end of the bargain for the AIFF to do its part.
I-League clubs have demanded an immediate resolution to broadcasting commitments made by the AIFF with barely a week remaining before its beginning on November 22 Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
