Kolkata, Sep 1 (IANS): Accusing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of adopting a "discriminatory attitude" towards I-League, Mohun Bagan Monday said it would demand an increase in the number of foreigners to be at par with the Indian Super League (ISL).
According to I-League rules, the clubs are allowed to register four foreigners. In contrast, the newly launched city-based ISL permits franchises to take on seven foreigners as also a marquee player.
“The AIFF works for the improvement of football in the country. Towards that end, it runs the I-League. Now, for the same reason it has given the go-ahead to the ISL. But it allows us (I-League) clubs to register only four foreigners, Whereas ISL franchisees are allowed eight. Why is this discriminatory attitude towards the I-League?” Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra told IANS.
Demanding that the I-League clubs be allowed to register more foreigners, Mitra said: “We will write to the AIFF on the step-motherly attitude towards the I-League."
However, he made it clear that the club “has no problem” with the ISL.
“That’s the reason we are releasing our players for the ISL,” Mitra said.