Reigning Indian league champions Aizawl FC have threatened to go on hunger strike if they are denied a chance to play in the merged league of the I-League and the Indian Super League next season.
Despite having one of the lowest budgets in the I-League, Aizawl pulled off a massive surprise when they upstaged powerhouses Mohun Bagan and East Bengal to win their first league title in only their second season in the top flight.
But a restructuring of the league system is set to see Aizawl left out of the new Indian Super League next season.
In the new Indian Super League, the existing eight ISL clubs will be joined by at least three I-League clubs but Aizawl are unlikely to be a part of the merger plans.
That prompted Aizawl to release a statement threatening action if their formal request to be included is not accepted.
However, AIFF secretary Kushal Das admitted to DNA newspaper that Aizawl may have to play in the second division in the new league next season.
Despite having one of the lowest budgets in the I-League, Aizawl pulled off a massive surprise when they upstaged powerhouses Mohun Bagan and East Bengal to win their first league title in only their second season in the top flight.
But a restructuring of the league system is set to see Aizawl left out of the new Indian Super League next season.
In the new Indian Super League, the existing eight ISL clubs will be joined by at least three I-League clubs but Aizawl are unlikely to be a part of the merger plans.
That prompted Aizawl to release a statement threatening action if their formal request to be included is not accepted.
Aizawl owner Robert Royte quoted by the Indian Express on Monday that he expected the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to include them in the ISL and would not accept any other decision.Aizawl FC has submitted its formal claim to AIFF to continue in the top league... pic.twitter.com/Z43cHEV0OA
— Aizawl Football Club (@AizawlFC) May 2, 2017
How can the reigning champions be relegated to second division? We will not accept it, no chance.
We will be playing in the Asian competitions. How silly will it be if the India's champions are playing in Asia but back home, they are not allowed to play in the main league?
However, AIFF secretary Kushal Das admitted to DNA newspaper that Aizawl may have to play in the second division in the new league next season.
Look, even if Aizawl FC do not play in the country's top league, it doesn't mean that the road ends for them.
They can still play in the second division, and continue to grow their club there.
We will show even the second division matches live on television, and not just the top league.
So, Aizawl FC need not lose heart even if they are not part of the league.
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