Sujesh Rajan is a Manager in the I-League in New Delhi, India. Prior to joining the AIFF (All India Football Federation)/I-League, Sujesh was a journalist with the Indian Express. We had an opportunity to speak to Sujesh and find out more about the I-League.
Harmit : Please tell us your specific role and responsibilities in the I-League.
Sujesh Rajan : It was in 2008 that I joined AIFF as Manager I league. My main responsibilities so far has been to look after the registration of players, international transfers, drafting fixtures in consultation with the CEO of I league and the general secretary AIFF and also maintain the statistics for the league.
Harmit : How many people are paid employees at the I-League exclusively. Are there any “honorary” folks helping out the I-League too?
Sujesh Rajan : Currently there are two paid employees in the I League department. First being the CEO and second being the Manager I League. There is an I League committee though but there are no “honorary” folks helping out in the I League.
Harmit :Does the I-League have sufficient power and independence to take decisions on its own or is everything vetted by the AIFF?
Sujesh Rajan : As you must be aware of the fact that I League is a separate entity, the department in its own has the sufficient power and independence to take the decisions. Though there are times when we consult the Chairman of the I League, Mr Alberto Colaco, who also happens to be the General Secretary of All India Federation.
Harmit : What kind of things if the I-League thinking of to make professional football a profitable business for its clubs? Overseas, it is not uncommon for the clubs to get a share of TV revenues. Are there any such plans with the I-League in order to strengthen the Indian clubs financially?
Sujesh Rajan : Well the above question is not being asked for the first time. This question has been asked time and again. It is a known fact that it’s the marketing team that helps any organization become financially strong. There are many clubs in India that have their own sponsors and are well equipped to look after their financial necessities. A lot depends upon the clubs to get their own sponsors and make sure that they are self sufficient.
Harmit :What kind of activities is the I-League planning to make the league more spectator friendly (both spectators in stadiums and those watching from home).
Sujesh Rajan : I League being professional football in India does generate crowd during the matches at places like Shillong, Kolkata, Goa and Kerala where the stadium usually have been jam packed during most of the matches. Our broadcasting sponsors have also been telecasting the matches at Ten Sports which is accessible to most of the people across India.
Harmit : The idea to have a sponsor backed India U21 team in the I-League is unique and innovative. Can you tell us how this idea originated? How far is it being from implemented?
Sujesh Rajan : It is too early to comment on how far it has been implemented and as far as the entire concept of having an U-21 team was the idea of our president Mr. Praful Patel keeping in mind the future of the Indian football, so that they could get more exposure at a professional level.
One of the major discrepancies in any league of a country where a particular sport is developing has been the international transfers of professional players. I was lucky enough to attend the course conducted by FIFA on the International transfers and I will be educating the clubs for the same on May 19th 2010.
Harmit : What are some of the things that you want to see implemented but are stuck or have not moved forward as fast as you would like to see?
Sujesh Rajan : It is easy to say that work gets stucked up because of some problems. I have always believed in finding the solutions rather than being the part of the problems and so far in my stint there have not been many hic cups that I have undergone.
Harmit : Has or is the, I-League taking any steps to minimize the impact of the national team players not being available for the next I-League.
Sujesh Rajan : All of us who understand football would agree that a national team would be strong only if you have a strong professional league. The absence of national team players from the, I league would certainly be a loss to the clubs but then one has to look at the positive aspect of it as well. The young players would certainly get a chance to prove their worth and get a lot of exposure to the professional football.
Harmit : How does the I-League plan to make Indian Football players role models and household names. Most urban Indians that consider themselves football fans know more about overseas club teams than the I-League players.
Sujesh Rajan : I am sure most of us would agree that football is not a sport that has a culture across India. There was a time when India craved to have a player who would have represented India abroad. But today Indian players are in demand and with Sunil Chettri making it to the MLS soon you would find kids following Indian players as well. I remember watching a Durand Cup game last year at Ambedkar Stadium and a group of young kids knew the jersey number and name of most of the players of Mahindra United and Dempo. So it’s not that football players are not role models.
Harmit : How does the I-League see the decision of Mahindra United? Do you think that perhaps the I-League may either not survive in its current form or may continue to be a sports property that is unable to turn a profit for years to come?
Sujesh Rajan : Well as far as the decision taken by Mahindra United goes, it is completely their management’s decision. If they wanted to disband the team then it’s their choice. Not that, I League will not be affected by it but then as they say everything happens with the given time. Exit of Mahindra from I League would definitely give a chance to some other club that has been in the pipeline for quite some time now. Departure of one team does not mean that it would be difficult for I League to survive itself in any form or for that matter continue as sport property in the coming future as well.
Many thanks for taking the time to speak to us.
