The 2016-17 season of I-League faces another setback as Sporting Club de Goa have officially announced their withdrawal from the I-League. And Dempo SC is expected to follow the suit.
Sporting Club de Goa in an official statement said that
“Recently in Delhi AIFF President Praful Patel made the following statement “We (the AIFF) have set the cat among the pigeons”. One knows very well what happens when the cat is set amongst the pigeons. This statement is a pointer to the thought process of AIFF as to the future course of India Football and leaves us with no other option but confirm our withdrawal from the I League”
However they have said that this is only a tactical decision to stay out of the I League, till AIFF gets it Road Map right and Sporting Clube will continue with all other football activities like Grassroots and Youth Football development and also maintain a strong first team to compete in Goa as well as in All India Football Tournaments.
This isn’t a surprising move as Sporting Club de Goa along with Salgoacar had issued a joint statement back in June to withdraw from the next edition of the I-League, citing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and IMG-Reliance’s proposed domestic structure from 2017-18 season.
Dempo SC too had hinted that they will withdraw from I-League. And according to our reliable sources an official confirmation from the club is expected within the next few days
This move will leave only 7 clubs remaining in the I-League and AIFF will have no option but to accept the bids from FC Bardez, Minerva AFC and Chennai City FC.
