The responsibility fairly and squarely lies with AIFF. This isn’t a new negotiation and it is known to one and all that the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) expires on December 8. Now, following a Supreme Court order, AIFF can’t negotiate on a new MRA. But months back, these negotiations were on. Did they not foresee what was coming? Did they not realise that this is India’s premier football competition and not starting it on time will send a really bad signal?
While FSDL in all its letters has expressed willingness to engage, sources confirm that they will not agree to anything that is stop-gap. If they are asked to extend the MRA by six months, they will not do it. Their argument is simple — no broadcaster or commercial partner will want the rights for one year. Unless there is a long term deal on the table, they aren’t in it.
In such a scenario and in one where the AIFF elections look most likely, there is no way the ISL will start in September. But does it even matter to the powers that be? Are they focussed on Indian football and its development, or are they keen on saving their chairs? What is priority?
To note that a national league isn’t held is ridiculous. If you are an Indian footballer, what would you be feeling today? But then, who cares? That’s the truth. Except the fans, who are going to make some noise, who cares about what is going on! The sport isn’t important and that’s the sad truth.
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