Indian Clubs Urge AIFF to Secure Asian Berths Amidst Truncated Season Plans
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In a virtual meeting with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), 14 top-tier league clubs expressed their intent to start the season, possibly in early February. However, they emphasized the need for clarity on retaining Asian Football Confederation (AFC) berths if the truncated season doesn't meet the required 24 matches for the champions. The proposed formats by AIFF fail to meet AFC's minimum match criteria, with the current plan of splitting 14 teams into two zones resulting in 120 matches, and the alternative format providing even fewer matches. The uncertainty surrounding the season has led to sponsors backing out, with clubs seeking to prune costs. The clubs have requested AIFF to explore options to share the additional costs with state governments, AIFF, and even players. They also proposed playing in two or three venues, while ensuring India retains its Asian Champions League spots. India currently holds one-and-a-half berths in the Asian Champions League 2, with the winners of the ISL league shield and the champions in the Super Cup qualifying for the main round and qualifying slots, respectively. AIFF has been asked to inquire with AFC about potential exceptions to the minimum match criteria, allowing India to maintain its continental berths despite the truncated season.
