As the Indian Super League reaches its business end, ripples have been set in motion in the Indian football arena. News of premier football clubs, like Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa pulling out of the coveted I-League has been confirmed. What triggered this is a different story. But the fact that these top clubs have decided to withdraw from the national league is heartbreaking.
An average football fan might not realise the loss. But the ardent Indian football follower can already feel something amiss from the ensuing Hero I-League.
It is a tetchy atmosphere as Praful Patel aims to make ISL the top competition in India. Amidst the same, this move is being touted as the necessary jolt that was required. But in all hindsight, this is the correct move. 5 reasons to convince you why:-
#5 A vast fanbase is an important parameter to decide the success of a football club
Names like Salgaocar, Sporting Clube de Goa and now Dempo- these are clubs which boast of a rich legacy. Their glory days have earned them a multitude of fans from all parts of the country. But ISL clubs like FC Goa would not stand a chance to the veritable following of their I-League counterparts.
Consequently, if these traditional old boys of Goan football refuse to compete in the national league, their revenues are bound to dry up. But the loyal fans of Goa would still make a beeline to the stadium to watch their favourite teams participate in local leagues. Under compelling circumstances, it would be beneficial to protect the greater interest of the clubs.
#4 A strong rejig was needed to protect the sanctity of I-League
Sitting politicians at the ruling body of Indian football would not be much concerned about the fate of these teams. It is the fans who would empathise at the deteriorating atmosphere of the beautiful game in India.
As long as the financial stakes are taken care of, the minister at the helm of sports affairs would be happy in his cushy office. Therefore, making the cash-rich ISL a premier tournament would nevertheless satiate the wants of the industrialists. Their veiled interest in developing football would be adequately camouflaged by this move.
But the fate of these decade old clubs would be left in despair. As a result, withdrawing the names from this sham is an appropriate response. It would be a fantastic situation if all the I-League clubs decide to pull out from the new system. The ministers and their industrialist allies would be the only people generating revenue for such a shoddy maladministered tournament.
#3 Lack of financial backing would have automatically pushed these clubs to the nadir
A cursory look at the ISL teams and the amount of money involved is palpable to the naked eye. Bollywood, former cricketers, industrialists and the who’s who are behind each team in the ISL. Standing up to the immense financial power of these clubs is next to impossible. Thus, it would have been a completely unfair league wherein the rich clubs would have made merry, leaving the traditional clubs in a rut.
The players would have made a dash for the better package and the traditional clubs would have perished eventually. Before waiting for the ignominy to befall, it is a pragmatic call taken by the Goan clubs.
#2 This move would nevertheless benefit Indian football, with the grassroots football schools
Clubs which have a rich history, go a long way in the community outreach programmes. Their connections with the masses are something unforeseen. None of the newbies of the ISL fraternity would match up to such a massive presence in the state.
Thus, the faith reposed on these clubs is immense. Experienced staffs, who are abreast of the grassroots conditions, contribute significantly in developing the youth. Modern clubs might have all the money but not the public trust. The Indian youth would prefer the proven talent of an Indian club, rather than venturing into unknown foreign shores. Ultimately, for the greater good of Indian football, these clubs with their football schools, nurturing Indian talent, would impart better success stories than haggard, foreign players of the ISL.
#1 Because in the end, football is not just about money
Although the astronomical transfer figures might recite a different tale, but football is best played with 22 mad men and a spherical object. Money is the commercial catalyst which has been associated since football became a business. There are dedicated academic deciphering the same and professionals making a living therein.
All of this is redolent of a changing system of world football. But, the fans would not wish their costliest player to put up an abysmal performance. Instead, they’d any day prefer a lesser known face, creating magic on the field. It is this magic which still rules the show in the game of football. Therefore, if a club feels, their interest in the beautiful game, is best served outside the national league- it is not an erroneous belief. They deserve accolades for their bravado and nothing but respect for the courageous move.
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