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.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app