#TFGtake - the Aizawl FC issue is a serious question facing the entire Indian football fraternity

IF LAST SEASON'S I-league was all about the title race, then this year’s edition has been more about the survival-battle. In a race which saw five struggling teams fighting to stay in the top flight, among them two promising teams from the North-East and seasoned warhorses from the South as well. DSK Shivajians finished last but it was Aizawl FC who lost. And this is where the controversy begins.

As an incentive for potential investors, the I-league provides immunity from relegation to ‘corporate clubs’, who can buy into the top-flight. DSK Shivajians entered the competition thus. In contrast, Aizawl FC from the football-crazy state of Mizoram, worked their way through the second division and broke on to the national scene with great zest and potency. Considering the success of Royal Wahingdoh in the previous season, Aizawl, brought a new flavor of tiki-taka into the league and bore a lot of expectations. 

However, managerial problems and arguably poor-preparedness derailed their campaign. Now, their new manager Jahar Das, and the wide fan-base of the club are up in arms against the AIFF, demanding impunity from relegation. 

Aizawl FC’s stand rests on their claim of having contributed to national football development and their first-division presence being in the interest of Indian Football. Though some might see these arguments as being petulant and somewhat immature (coming as they do, after they have lost), there is no denying the elements of truth in these statements. The club from Mizoram has indeed brought a new tinge of excitement to the Hero I-league, which the larger Indian public might claim remains ‘boring’. Their massive and passionate fan base has rivalled those of Kolkata and Bengaluru. The Mizoram club’s home games have been something of an exotic affair too, being played in the picturesque Rajiv Gandhi Stadium ensconced among hills which are often populated by fans who failed to find a seat among the packed stands. Additionally, the focus on youth development has only furthered the continued rise of the region in Indian football. The club boasts of several youth teams which have been competing in several national-level tournaments and indeed, the entire region has benefitted from this. For local players who were offered a chance to compete with the likes of Jeje (an inspiration to the region) and Sunil Chettri, this season was a dream come true. The fans too, having cheered their team on through the second division, which undeniably was a paltry affair (especially last year), would have certainly reveled in their team’s promotion.  

Taken in this light, Aizawl FC’s indignant claims are largely true and justified. The impassioned appeals of their veteran manager further show how much they value their deserved position among the country’s elite.  

However, there is another dimension to consider. The AIFF and consequently Indian football, have been a poorly managed enterprise over the years. Critical problems plague our football setup- having two ‘top-divisions’ and not having enough matches in the I-league to meet AFC criteria are a few cases. In this scenario, whatever few rules exist, must be adhered to, if only for their symbolical value. Aizawl FC’s relegation does not violate any rule and cannot be described as an ‘injustice’. The club were aware of the situation when the league started and knew what lay in store. Hence, Aizawl’s claim must not be fulfilled, and not only to adhere to the rules but also in deference to AIFF’s integrity. The regulatory body has here been presented a chance to show this. By sticking to its own laws, the AIFF can affirm its commitment to its words, something which has been lacking in recent years. Also, if Aizawl’s claim is granted, other clubs too may rake up several issues. Indeed, Mohammedan Sporting, the 125-year-old Kolkata club, might demand reinstatement in the top division for the sake of their legacy.

However, there is no denying the unjust nature of the I-league’s relegation rule and their promotion criteria as well. Currently, only one team is granted promotion from the second division each year. Something which also cannot be ignored are the veracity and ‘unofficial’ legitimacy of Aizawl’s claims. 

The club has truly worked hard, on relatively meagre funds too, and has achieved success through its determination, passion and panache. To see it all go to waste, would be a great tragedy indeed. In such a situation, the AIFF needs to formulate a compromise. It cannot grant impunity merely on a whim and a policy change is needed instead. This opportunity can also be used to increase the participation of the I-League and increase the promotion slots (which will have to be done anyway considering the transfer of three clubs to the ISL from next season).  

The AIFF has a chance to show its professionalism and commitment. It needs to find a compromise between breaking its own rules and meting out ‘justice’ to a club which can only be described as a ‘national-asset’. The next few years may very well come to define the future of Indian football, with a reshuffled ISL and U-17 World Cup on the calendar. One can hope that by handling this issue, Indian football’s governing body can assert its judicious authority and stake its claim as a leader.