City
Epaper

India coach Stimac values I-League, but AIFF silent

By IANS | Updated: May 25, 2019 16:40 IST

Addressing the media for the first time since taking over as national coach, Igor Stimac on Friday had spoken about the need to give equal importance to the I-League as well as the Indian Super League (ISL). But the plea seems to have fallen on deaf ears as the I-League clubs are yet to hear from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with regards to their request for a meeting with federation chief Praful Patel to discuss the roadmap of Indian domestic football.

Open in App

Stimac raised eyebrows when he spoke about how the tradition of I-League wasn't ignorable. He even spoke about how the two leagues were integral for the growth of Indian football.

"We need to work together. I-League has something that the ISL cannot buy tradition. The ISL is were most of the competitive stuff is while most of the young players are developing in the I-League and that is good for me. I will be here to help managers of clubs from both leagues and to give my opinions," he said.

But speaking to , Ranjit Bajaj, owner of the Minerva Punjab FC, said that the club has so far not received any intimation with regards to the proposed meeting with Patel.

"We have not received any intimation from the AIFF in this regard. The only intimation that we have received is for the penalty that was imposed on us by them for boycotting the Super Cup," he said.

Gokulam Kerala FC president, VC Praveen's reply to the same query by was: "Nothing so far."

All effort by to speak to AIFF general secretary Kusal Das with regards to the future plan of action and whether Patel will indeed meet the clubs failed as he refused to speak on the matter.(Jagannath Chatterjee can be contacted at jagannath.c@.in)

( With inputs from IANS )

Open in App

Related Stories

International"Issues related to Pakistan were not discussed," says ADB on bilateral meeting with FM Sitharaman

NationalCPI-M and CM Vijayan upset with KV Thomas over his remarks

CricketSRH vs DC: Sunrisers Hyderabad Knocked Out of IPL 2025 Playoff Race After Rain Washes Out Match Against Delhi Capitals

Other SportsSeason-ending injury for Tottenham midfielder Maddison

NationalAssam CM Sarma 'challenges' Rahul over Cong MP Gogoi's 'Pak links'

Other Sports Realted Stories

Other SportsIPL 2025: Rain plays spoilsport as Sunrisers Hyderabad crash out of playoff race

Other SportsIPL 2025: Not thinking of constant change at top, focusing on our game, says MI head coach

Other SportsTickets go Live for Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025

Other SportsPro Panja League set to host 23rd Asian Armwrestling, 22nd Asian Para-Armwrestling Championship in New Delhi

Other SportsChampions League semis: Barca must enjoy second leg vs Inter Milan, says Hansi Flick