AIFF Media Team

We will take all corrective measures to ensure I-League is given the time and space to grow in the coming years, says AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey

NEW DELHI: the I-League Task Force Committee, comprising of its club owners and senior officials on Saturday, September 7, 2024 unanimously expressed their confidences in the leadership of All India Football Federation President Sh. Kalyan Chaubey in laying a foundation for an inclusive growth to pave way for a robust League structure for future.

In a meeting chaired by AIFF President in Delhi, the Task Force Committee representatives, namely Mr. Pradhyum Reddy (Dempo SC), Mr. Shamsher Singh (Namdhari FC), Mr. Ranjit Bajaj (Delhi FC) and Mr. Kishore S Reddy (SC Bengaluru) present in-person at the Football House, hailed AIFF’s efforts in allowing club’s equal representation in formalizing League’s strategy. Saturday’s meeting was a third-in-line, within last 30 days in the run up to the start of the season in October.

Says Mr. Uday Singh, Owner, Namdhari FC, "The AIFF has addressed all the I-League clubs' concerns and made significant progress in today's meeting. The clubs are confident that, with ongoing cooperation from AIFF, this year's edition will be the best in recent years. Discussions highlighted the crucial role of broadcasters for the league's survival. Following this meeting, participants feel positive about securing I-League broadcasts. We extend our special thanks to the President for meeting with us in Delhi on a public holiday and request continued support and cooperation."

By mid-September, the I-League Task Force Committee will present its comprehensive reports and proposals for final planning on key factors comprising Venue Infrastructure, Broadcast specifications and budget, Fixtures and Marketing.

Says Mr. Ranjit Bajaj, “For the first time we feel the I-League belongs to the clubs as much as its’ AIFFs’. There is a sense of ownership among us as well. We are aware that it’s not an overnight job, but as a club owner and member of the Task Force Committee, I welcome the open-arm approach and transparency adopted by AIFF.”

Commenting on it, Sh. Kalyan Chaubey said, "I’m glad to see the I-League Task Force Committee’s progress since last we met on 12 August. With the onset of current season, we are on a rebuilding exercise where active participation of each of the I-League club is paramount in redefining the future. We will take all corrective measures to ensure I-League is given the time and space to grow in the coming years.”

Clubs present virtually in the meeting : Mr. Habamutlang Lyngdoh (Shillong Lajong FC), Mr. Aditya Barros Pereira (Churchill Brothers), Dr. KT Mahhe and Mr. Fabio Ferreira (Sreenidi Deccan FC), Mr. K.K. Tak and Mr. Kamal Kishore (Rajasthan United FC), Mr. Arshad Shawl (Real Kashmir FC), Mr. Hmingthana Zadeng (Aizawl FC), Mr. Bhaskar Basu and Mr. Prithiijit Das (Inter Kashi), Mr. VC Praveen (Gokulam Kerala FC) and AIFF Secretary General Mr. Anilkumar P., while Deputy Secretary General Mr. M Satyanarayan attended in-person.