I-League 2017-18: Ranjit Bajaj wants AIFF to pay compensation for players taken from Minerva Punjab to Indian Arrows
THE NEW SEASON of I-League will see three new teams which also includes Indian Arrows which will comprise of the U-17 World Cup along with U-18 boys.
Players like Jeakson, Anwar and Nongdamba who were part of the World Cup campaign are from the Minerva Punjab academy and had contracts with MPFC but they will be seen playing for Indian Arrows.
Owner of Minerva Punjab, Ranjit Bajaj requests the Federation to give them something in return of the players. And he states it to compensate in the form of development fees so that it would encourage clubs to spend on youth development.
Guys to clear the air - just want a robust system where academies are compensated for all players in development fees so that it encourages clubs to spend on their youth development- I am And alwsy will be supporting @IndianFootball @Minerva_AFC
— Ranjit Bajaj (@THE_RanjitBajaj) November 22, 2017
But at the same time, he also lends full support to the cause.
Yes and to help promote @IndianFootball is the reason we started @Minerva_AFC and wil always support our federations effort to build up a strong national squad for our future 🙏🏽🙏🏽✊🏽✊🏽🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 tht is something I believe in ... @indianarrows @abhiy10 https://t.co/ua217U3fuP
— Ranjit Bajaj (@THE_RanjitBajaj) November 22, 2017
The situation here is tricky, because while young players being kept together to be groomed for FIFA U-20 World Cup Qualifiers through exposure to top division football in India is a great idea, but taking away players from pre-existing clubs should be treated as a commercial player transfer and the clubs should be entitled to demand transfer fees.
Minerva Punjab FC are the only individual club who directly contributed players to India's FIFA U-17 World Cup team, which lends extra legitimacy to Bajaj's claims. The owner certainly feels like his club has not been rewarded enough for this unique achievement.
Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.
