I-League champions Aizawl FC threaten ‘fast unto death’ if not included in revamped ISL

Aizawl FC, who created history by becoming the I-League champions, have threatened to go on a “fast unto death” if they won’t be allowed to defend their title next season.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been wanting to merge the I-League and the cash-rich Indian Super League (ISL) for a while now. Which means that there will be a single premier club football league in the country, a prospect that should bode well for Indian football in the years to come.

However, if this change were to come in place from the next season itself, it would mean that Aizawl wouldn’t get to defend their title. The reason for that is a rule which will allow only a few cash-rich clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Bengaluru FC to compete with the eight teams form ISL in the new league.

Fearing the worse, Aizawl put out a strong statement threatening action if their formal request to be included is not accepted.

“If no positive response is received from AIFF, the club will approach central sports minister, prime minister of India and also president of AFC,” said the statement. “If these steps are failed, the club will have no other choice but …read more