ISL sheds multiple gimmicks in favour of standard practices in world football

THE ISL FRANCHISES are being slowly prepared for a merger with I-League by abandoning IPL-like gimmicky practices in favour of systems that are followed by football leagues around the world.

In a meeting between the franchise representatives and FSDL -- the operative arm of IMG-Reliance -- it was decided that player auctions and drafts will be abandoned for the 3rd edition of ISL. The franchises will have to go out in the open market to sign their players like real clubs are supposed to do, instead of sitting back and picking up players from a ready-made pool where the player has no bargaining power and choice of which team he plays for. 

Also, the ISL followed the I-League's example and abandoned the "marquee player" rule. Instead, they have adopted the "designated player rule" or "Beckham rule" that is practiced in the Major League Soccer where franchises get to sign a particular player -- usually an expensive star player -- whose salary is not counted in the salary cap for each team.

The franchises will also have to take a more pro-active role with the Indian players they take on. Because according to a new rule, they will have to make one-year contracts with at least 8 local players. A maximum 5 more players can be brought in on loan. This particular rule seeks to address the use-and-discard approach ISL franchises show towards most of their players. 

Also, to make the ISL look less amateur-ish, the gimmicky practice of using a player as the manager -- or the manager as a player -- has been banned. This means that Nicolas Anelka and the Mumbai City management will have a tough decision to make come September.