AIFF secretary hints at the big merger

BENGALURU: All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das feels there is a possibility of the I-League merging with the Indian Super League a few years down the line, with the franchise-based competition garnering more and more eyeballs with each passing day.
"It will be very difficult for an immediate merger, but it is possible in two-three years," AIFF secretary Kushal Das told TOI.
Das also said that till such time, the I-League will remain the official tournament of the AIFF.
"It is sad that not all I-league teams participated in the ISL but the I-League will benefit from the technical collaborations with it like it happened with Dempo SC and Shillong Lajong, who had stakes in the new competition. I-League clubs should realize that you cannot survive on legacy.
"There is no denying that professionalism is the key. Some I-League clubs must learn that they can't survive without a professional structure and development programme. Legacy is just not enough in these times," Das said.