FSDL vs I-League: Big DRAMA unfolds, I-League clubs WARN FIFA, AIFF of legal action, FSDL asks for extension on Promotion-Relegation: Follow LIVE

FSDL vs I-League – ISL Promotion-Relegation: The I-League clubs have informed the FIFA investigation team, currently in India, that they are considering legal action if the promotion process is delayed and the Indian League is relegated. This was the farewell statement from the I-League clubs when they met the four-member FIFA panel, confirmed an I-League club official who requested anonymity. Follow ISL 2022-23 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN

FSDL vs I-League: I-League clubs WARN FIFA & AIFF of legal action if proposed roadmap not followed, FSDL asks for extension on Promotion-Relegation, Follow LIVE Updates

In the roadmap approved by FIFA-AFC, the winners of the 2022-23 I-League will automatically be included in the previously closed league, where relegation will take effect from the 2024-25 season. But with the financial shock of COVID-19, the marketing partners of AIFF (FSDL) have asked for it to be postponed for two years. The I-League clubs however want the original agreement to be respected.

Scenes from AIFF Football House in Delhi.

The meeting was about the possible AIFF roadmap regarding the promotion from I-League to ISL.

Delegates from FIFA & AFC have assured that they will soon give us an official notification on the possible roadmap for #IndianFootball. 🇮🇳⚽️ pic.twitter.com/tDbEdhYu8Q

— Dipak Kumar Singh (@dipaklamb) September 29, 2022

The I-League clubs want the AIFF to notify in writing that the I-League winners will be promoted to the ISL under the 2022-23 I-League Rules and Regulations from October 29. Representatives of ISL champions Jamshedpur FC and cup winners Hyderabad FC met FIFA representatives in India during a three-day visit to New Delhi on Thursday. I-League winners Gokulam Kerala and runners-up Mohammedan Sporting were also present.

This is FIFA’s first visit after Kalyan Chaubey took over as president and Shaji Prabhakaran was appointed as the general secretary.

“We have stressed for the creation of one league with ISL and I-League teams also informing that if the roadmap is not followed, we may go to court,” Mohammedan official Dipak Singh said to the media.

FSDL vs I-League: I-League clubs WARN FIFA & AIFF of legal action if proposed roadmap not followed, FSDL asks for extension on Promotion-Relegation, Follow LIVE Updates

Indian football’s road map to be announced in December for the new AIFF executive committee after a 100-day management period may give an idea of the controversies surrounding ISL’s promotion and relegation.

After hearing the insights of the I-League clubs and even considering that the I-League clubs are willing to pay the franchise fee to join the ISL, FIFA has taken the time to look into the matter.

“In December indications of it could be there in the new roadmap,” Nodar Akhalkatsi, Director, Strategic Projects & MA Governance, FIFA, said in an interaction with media persons on Thursday.

“We have to work towards finding an acceptable solution keeping in mind the existing legal framework and the master’s rights agreement between the AIFF and its marketing partners. Interests of all stakeholders would be looked into. FIFA would act as a facilitator in finding an acceptable solution.”

“FIFA can’t force themselves unless our assistance is sought. The AIFF is willing to engage with us and has sought our assistance, which is why we have flown to India,” he added.

“We will look to achieve a realistic goal within the framework that we have,” Prabhakaran, who was present in the interaction said.

However, in the end, it looked like FIFA-AFC is considering the previously announced road map while they are yet to clarify the details of the process.