The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed regret and surprise over the sudden decision of two I-league clubs Salgaocar SC and Sporting Clube de Goa to pull out of the country's top tier domestic tournament.
Terming it as a knee jerk and speculative reaction, AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said: "We along with our Marketing partners have been very transparent sharing our thoughts with all stakeholders regarding the way forward for Indian Football.
"It was clearly stated that the shared draft was only a proposal and we would like suggestions from various stakeholders. The AIFF has been receiving various suggestions and the last one was received only a week back.
"Since it involves setting the roadmap for Indian Football every aspect needs to be carefully considered. So the assumption made by the Clubs that AIFF has not responded is presumptuous and speculative," he added.
Reacting to the allegations of the Clubs about financial matters, Sunando Dhar, CEO, I-league said: "The amount for fielding age-group sides in the respective competitions of AIFF which were pending since 2008, was agreed in an I-league committee meeting that the same would be adjusted against the I-league participation fees. This has been in practice for the last 3-4 years."
Bagan, EB blast AIFF
Kolkata: Mohun Bagan and East Bengal on Saturday blasted the AIFF for overlooking the I-league clubs after two Goan giants, Sporting Clube de Goa and Salgaocar pulled out of the country's top tier domestic tournament.
"It's another nail in the coffin. Now, what's left to play for in the I-league. The president and his entourage should play the I-league now," East Bengal secretary Kalyan Majumdar said.
The East Bengal top boss, however, did not specify what would be their course of action.
Terming it a black day, Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra called for an urgent meeting of all the state associations.