Is East Bengal Fc Going To Be Banned?- Tiff Between Aiff And Isl Clubs Continues.

The three time I-League champions, East Bengal FC, may have a one year ban looming over their head as they refused to take part in the Hero Super Cup. Several other clubs like Mohun Bagan have been in support of boycotting the knockout tournament due to the arrogant attitude shown by the AIFF towards the I-League.

The ongoing war between I-League clubs and All India Football Federation (AIFF) seems to be never-ending. Since the introduction of ISL, the I-League has lost its importance and is even being neglected by the AIFF. Mohun Bagan has been the leader in voicing the opinion of other clubs in the I-League. Clubs are trying their best to minimize the friction between them and the AIFF but results are nowhere to see and situation is getting even worse. The Hero Super Cup being held in Bhubaneshwar, is not of very much importance as it doesn’t offer any Asian competition berth. Mohun Bagan decided not to register their team this tournament. Joining the race East Bengal decided to not field their team in the tournament, which might end up resulting in a ban depending on the AIFF.

But is the AIFF right in doing this? Banning a team just because they are protesting against the bias towards the I-League. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have made efforts to participate in the ISL, but heavy entry fee was their roadblock. Clubs like these are an integral part of Indian football but the AIFF is stuck on not allowing these teams to participate without the entry fee. Isn’t the AIFF there to protect the Indian Football culture? Isn’t it there to take football to new levels? So denying such traditional clubs to participate in the ISL is a shame for the AIFF as a protector of the game. Initially they gave more importance to the ISL, now they are threatening to dismiss the ISL. So if in protest, a team doesn’t play just to voice their issues, which is not being heard for a long time, are they guilty? I don’t think so.

NEROCA FC, Goukulam Kerla FC, Aizwal FC and Minerva Punjab FC also did not field their respective teams in the Hero Super Cup. Mohun Bagan didn’t even register themselves for the Cup so as compared to the other team they will face a lesser fine. NEROCA FC, Goukulam Kerla FC, Aizwal FC and Minerva Punjab FC’s opponents were given a walkover.

The finals of the tournament will be played on April 13 held in Bhubaneshwar.