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The secretary of FIFA, Jerome Valcke has said that the Indian Super League(ISL) cannot be considered to be in the bracket of a football league and that I-League is the only league in India.
“We won't call the ISL a league. For us, there is only one league and that is the Indian League (I-League). ISL is a tournament that is played for three months and helps in the development and recognition of football in India. It brings a lot of attraction not only in India but abroad too. And thanks to the clubs and the owners who have launched this league.” he said.
On his last visit to India, Mr Valcke had said that India needs to have a football league that runs for seven-eight months in a year which would help in the development of the game in the country in the long run.
The ISL, in its short time so far, has gathered many followers, across the country.
The Frenchmen, did, however, praise the efforts put in by the organisers of ISL, to help improve the sport at the grassroots level, which could lead to more kids taking up the game.
“What is important for FIFA is that the commitment of the clubs in the ISL is not just to play games but to invest in academies, grassroot programmes and develop football,” he added.
He also brushed away talks about two leagues being played in India in the future.
“They (ISL organizers) take a responsibility in developing football in India but again you cannot have two leagues in a country. You can only have one league and there is one league that is under the federation.” he said.
