Kamal Ghorui
Panaji: Goa Football Association (GFA) president Caitano Fernandes spent Christmas in New Delhi and the New Year glued to his iPad, holding several meetings with clubs and other stakeholders to find a solution to the top-tier league crisis that brought Indian football to a standstill.Caitano was one of the three members appointed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) general body and tasked with preparing a proposal for the Indian Super League (ISL), acceptable to all parties. Navas Meeran, president, Kerala Football Association, and Anirban Dutta, secretary, Indian Football Association were the other members, with AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan as ex-officio member.“I am happy we put together the best possible governance structure for our leagues, while also working within the framework of the new Constitution,” Caitano told TOI on Tuesday. “Indian football has changed commercially, structurally and administratively after the implementation of the new Constitution. Balancing commercial interests and governance is always tricky. But I am happy we managed to overcome these hurdles and get all the clubs on board.”In its proposal, the three-member panel gave clubs the liberty to lead all discussions and negotiations with regards to the commercial partner and broadcaster. The sports ministry’s help was also sought, while AIFF was on board, not just as a supervisor but a partner, making financial contributions.“We had to work within the framework of the Constitution where the top-tier league is owned and operated by AIFF. Indian football was at a stage where it needed quick decision-making and a final thrust. I am happy to have played a part in it. The ISL starting has been a big positive for Indian football in the new year,” said Caitano.Between Dec 22 and Jan 2, when the proposal was finalised, the committee held four meetings with clubs. There were differences of opinions and serious trust deficit, not surprising since the AIFF and ISL clubs had never met until August last year.“When the committee was formed, my sole aim was to do everything I could to bridge the trust deficit between clubs and the AIFF. We first had to allay the fears of the clubs and with the help of the sports minister, AIFF president Kalyan (Chaubey), vice president (NA) Haris and Satya, we managed to get everyone on board.“I am happy that all 14 clubs are taking part in the ISL. The AIFF is also working together with them, picking up 40% of the expenses. When it comes to league matters, clubs should always have a greater say in the running of things. The thaw in relations (between clubs and AIFF) is a good sign for Indian football,” said Caitano.The ISL is expected to kick off on Feb 14 with a high-profile clash between champions Mohun Bagan SG and Kerala Blasters FC.
