Mohun Bagan release statement claiming AFC has urged AIFF to merge ISL & I-League

I-LEAGUE CLUB MOHUN BAGAN, who were one of the active participants in today's all-stakeholder meeting to decide on the future of I-League, ISL and Indian football, have just released their account of what happened in that meeting.

The statement speaks of the presentation made by Mohun Bagan financial secretary Debashish Dutta and suggests that the officials of AFC were in agreement with it.

The official statement also claims that AFC told AIFF to work towards forming "one league" instead of having ISL and I-League existing on their own.

Here's the full statement from the club...

"This is to inform that today, 7th June 2017 a meeting of all Stakeholders of Indian Football was convened by Asian Football Confederation, Chaired by Mr. Dato Windsor John, General Secretary, AFC at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In the abovementioned meeting the current scenario of Indian Football structure was vibrantly discussed. Our Director, Mr. Debashis Dutta made presentation elaborating the History and Legacy of our club as well as explained the performance of National Team and also stressing on the importance of having one league.

The AFC General Secretary and other members present at the meeting took note of Mr. Dutta’s words and accepted that century old clubs should be given due respect and diligence. They also agreed that their contributions and commitment to the game for such a long period cannot be ignored. There is a need to find a permanent solution, and AIFF along with all concerned should work collectively to develop India’s Football structure. They also accepted the idea of having one league covering Pan India. One League system would enhance the performance of National Team; it would help develop players and coaches.

AFC urged All India Football Federation to conduct a meeting with all I-League Clubs to discuss this year's League Structure. AFC further elaborated that a road map should be made immediately after the conclusion of the U-17 FIFA WC for next year league structure.

We have requested AIFF to convene a meeting on Monday, 12th June 2017 as proposed by AFC to discuss this year's league structure.

Beside the above the slide from AFC presentation is attached herewith wherein they have chalked out the timeline and task to be covered to successfully achieve the idea of one league."