AIFF and AFC meet in Delhi to discuss player wages and number of foreigners in I-League

THE AFC AND AIFF held a meeting today regarding several technical issues concerning the I-League and ISL.

Central to the meeting was the issue of coming up with a unified "player compensation model" to be implemented across the ISL and I-League, which may include a provision for "minimum wage" granted to any squad player for both leagues. Having such a rule in place is expected to ensure that players are not compelled to play for wages lower than necessary for a top level athelte's lifestyle.

The potential of players setting their prices too low in the ISL players' draft just to make themselves more attractive to franchises and forcing other players to do the same in the process causing a collective drop in average wages is also expected to be addressed once a solid player compensation model is adopted.

The other issue that was discussed was the demand by East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to increase the number of foreigners in I-League clubs. Several top flight clubs including champions Aizawl FC have opposed the proposal. The final decision on that will be taken tomorrow at the I-League Committee meeting, but AFC has reportedly provided advices and guidelines regarding the technicalities of the issue. 

After the officials completed their meeting in New Delhi, the AIFF issued a press release regarding it. Here it is in full,

"Representatives of the Asian Football Confederations (AFC) met the All India Football Federation (AIFF) at the Football House in the Capital today (July 04, 2017) to discuss Strategic Planning and Player Compensation matters in regards to Indian Football.
 
The AFC was represented by Mr. Alex Phillips, who is the Head of Asia-Europe Affairs at UEFA, seconded to AFC and Mr. Darren Bailey, an expert and consultant under The Ivy House Sports Consultancy Ltd, nominated by AFC for innovation and implementation of strategic plans in football development.
 
AIFF’s General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das alongwith Hero I-League CEO Mr. Sunando Dhar, AIFF’s Technical Director Savio Medeira, AIFF’s Head of Player Development Richard Hood and AIFF’s COO Mr. Kishore Taid were part of the meeting.
 
Speaking on the occasion, the AIFF General Secretary said, “The discussions will be productive in identifying the major objectives of Indian Football and take it to the next level”
 
“This will be a very important meeting with the AFC Officials as it'll help pave the way for future development plans in the various areas of football operations. It would majorly involve talks on improving the youth development system with the implementation of player compensation model”, Mr. Das added.
 
Darren Bailey opined, “India is massive demographically and it is fascinating as well as challenging, the opportunities it presents when it comes to Player development. There should be one vision and one goal and everyone should strive towards it in terms of player development in any nation”
 
“The Player Compensation system that will be devised will be helpful in the long run for each and every stakeholder involved”, Alex Phillips stated. 
 
Regarding the home grown rule, Alex Phillips added in tune with Darren Bailey, "The percentage proposed for home grown rule is too low, it should be around 80% in order to promote even distribution of talent. This rule exists in majority of the developing and developed nations across the world" 
 
Hero I-League CEO Mr. Sunando Dhar said, “Player Compensation is one of the most important areas and it will be huge going forward. Not only will it help the Clubs and the Players, it will help the system too by solidifying the roadmap ahead”
 
The meeting took place to discuss matters on developing and implementing a robust player compensation model for Indian Football that would help all stakeholders in the domestic youth development circuit. It also involved discussion on developing a strategic plan for Indian Football based on the present structure for the next four years. The strategic planning involves formulating action plans covering different areas of football management in the country."

AFC has also reportedly repeated their stance in favour of a unified league structure, meaning the parallel existence of ISL and I-League may not last beyond this season.

Both I-League and ISL will run between November 2017 and March 2018, a temporary solution for a season shortened by the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
 

Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.