Former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia has stated that the 3 league concept proposed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) will help develop Indian football and promote and nurture budding talents.
Bhutia who is the present chairman of the technical committee of the AIFF also feels that 3 leagues would result in an increased competitiveness.
The 39-year-old said in an interview recently, "So far as I know, plans have been made to run all the 3 leagues for around 7 months. And, I personally feel that the Federation has taken a positive step by thinking in this way. With 3 football leagues being introduced, more footballers will be seen in action.”
He also emphasised the need for relegation and promotion, like the top leagues all over the world, “There must be a system of relegation and promotion for the teams. So, overall the league should be more competitive. And another important aspect of launching three football leagues is that the footballers will be able to earn."
Also Read: AIFF restructures Indian Football into three-tier system: ISL top tier, I-League becomes League 1
Tentative plans suggest that the Champions of League 1 would be eligible to play in the ISL. All plans are currently in the development stage with the AIFF still in discussions with the Asian Football Confederation for approval of the format. Bhutia feels that this is a step in the right direction by the Indian governing body.
Nevertheless, he feels that it is not only the responsibility of the AIFF and said that top clubs should also have a say in the process and make themselves heard. "The All India Football Federation is trying its best. But at the same time, the country’s premier clubs should get involved in the process.” he stated.
According to the former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan striker, India’s poor scouting network and infrastructure is the main hindrance in the development of Indian football. He feels that players should be scouted at a very young age and groomed by senior players into the first team, like in Europe and other big leagues in the world.
“Along with theFederation, the clubs and the state associations will also have to get involved in the same activities to scout and nurture them for the senior team in future. Then only you will get quality footballers,” he claimed.
Bhutia was full of praise for the Indian team that annihilated Puerto Rico 4-1 in a friendly last week. The Indian national team defeated their higher-ranked opponents in the packed Andheri Sports Complex stadium in Mumbai.
