If deprived socio-political impact would be negative

You will never come across any country where the existing clubs of the national football league are replaced by a new set of clubs from outside the existing league system. If such a thing happens, it will certainly damage the football eco-system in the northeast and parties doing such illegitimate act may invite legal consequences.
After all, football is the strongest link between the mainland and the northeast and the game’s crucial role in national integration should never be undermined. Deprivation of our hard-earned position in the top league would surely have negative socio-political impact in the northeast. Everybody should understand the importance of football on the pitch and off it.

As the guardian of Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) should not give fortunes to the Indian Super League (ISL) at the cost of I-League. I have represented our case earlier also. We respect the ISL clubs and we expect the same from them. Even if merger is planned, it should be a win-win situation for all of us.

As far as Aizawl FC is concerned, let’s hope that the club remains in the top league on merit. It’s a very hard-earned position and irrespective of the timing or the implementation of the new merger plan, we want to remain in premier division.

We will also continue producing players for the country as well as other clubs. We announced in 2011 itself that our philosophy is ‘building of the team, not the purchase of players’. We are still sticking to it. Many of the key players in other I-League clubs are the products of my football academies and, at present, we have seven such academies.

As told to Arnab.Seal@timesgroup.com