Sudeep Pakrashi:
Chanmari FC, the new entrant in the upcoming elite I-League, claims that the club has not yet received the prize money it deserves for finishing as runners-up in the Third and Second Division I-League in the last two seasons, respectively.
A senior club executive when asked about the issue, revealed on condition of anonymity, “We have not yet received the prize money after being runners-up in the Third Division I-league which is nearly Rs 2-3 Lakh, and also the prize money after being runners-up in the Second Division I-League which is approximately Rs 5 Lakhs. Additionally, we deserve financial assistance as promised by the AIFF which should be approximately Rs 6-7 Lakh.”
The club official claims that in total they deserve nearly Rs 15 Lakh from the AIFF and considering the follow-up of the matter, the club official revealed a couple of emails were sent. The AIFF, in its last response in May, affirmed that all the dues would be cleared after a gap of three to four weeks.
Simultaneously, the AIFF imposed fines on the team for the red and yellow cards the footballers received during I-League-3 and I-League-2 and according to the club official, the penalty amount could be nearly Rs 2-3 Lakh.
The senior official added, “We will pay it. Additionally, we will also have to pay the licensing fees to the Federation. But if we had received the dues from AIFF it would have helped us to build up a competent side for the elite I-League.”
Chanmari FC is run by a society, financed mainly by well-wishers and the local community. But the club’s top brass is aware of the fact that they need to build-up a competent team for the elite I-League.
According to plans, the club will observe the team’s performance in the forthcoming Mizoram Premier League, starting from the middle of next month under the guidance of their present coach Rochhingpuia before making the final decision for the elite I-League.
But, the club does not seem fascinated to rope in foreign coaches for the elite I-League. Rather they might be in search of an experienced Indian coach for the I-League.
The AIFF finance committee will reportedly look after the issue and clear the dues as early as possible.
