AIFF’s reply to the ISL clubs; Willing to discuss about their consortium proposal
The All India Football Federation Deputy General Secretary, M Satyanarayan, in a reply email sent to FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskar and the CEOs of all the ISL clubs on Wednesday, urged them to become united and find a solution through a mutual understanding between the ISL clubs and the AIFF to get rid of the ongoing stalemate of the Indian Super League this year. The ISL clubs sent an email to the AIFF Deputy General Secretary on 5th November, seeking resolution of the 12 crucial issues. Satyanaraya acknowledged the clubs’ anxiety and said the situation has come to quick conversations and practical steps to solve the crisis, which is deepening gradually. “We assure you that the AIFF will take all necessary steps, strictly in accordance with the Constitution and by following the direction of the Supreme Court, to address the concerns raised by you and the prospective bidders. At the same time, we believe that a comprehensive solution cannot be achieved overnight,” the letter read. The Deputy General Secretary pointed out that some of the 12 points raised by the ISL Clubs carried contradictions or remained stuck in legal proceedings. Yet, he still asked the clubs to move forward together. He argued that Indian Football had benefited from joint investments over the past decade, and therefore, time lost now would only deepen the damage. “We request you to work towards finding a possible solution. It goes without saying that over the last 10–15 years, the marketing partner and clubs have jointly made significant investments and footballs to bring meaningful changes to Indian club football. To safeguard these investments, it is necessary that we work on a war footing to minimize any loss of time. We agree that a long-term solution is needed. However, football must not lose its continuity, and therefore, the league should commence at the earliest,” the letter said. Satyanarayana also emphasized coming to a comprehensive solution before the forthcoming executive committee and the AGM on 20th December. Significantly, the Deputy General Secretary also conveyed the support of AIFF regarding the ISL clubs’ previous proposal to form a consortium and make an agreement with the AIFF to resume the ISL, where the participating clubs themselves will be the owners of the League. Satyanarayan acknowledged Point 12 of the club’s email, which mentioned the consortium idea. His e-mail said, ‘The AIFF was open to exploring that framework, but it requires internal approval and constitutional compliance. The letter also states that any decision must follow due process at the Executive committee meeting and the AGM.
Three cricketers assault the U-19 coach brutally! Police in search of the accused
India’s cricket fraternity has been shocked and stunned by a horrible incident that took place on Monday afternoon at the nets of the Cricket Association of Puducherry (CAP) ground. An under-19 cricket coach, S. Venkatraman, was viciously assaulted inside the grounds, allegedly by three local cricketers who suspected him of influencing their non-selection for the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Hyderabad. The incident took place when the coach was supervising other batsmen at the nets. Police have issued a ‘search warrant’ for the trio as the case has now been registered as an attempted murder. According to investigators, the accused, identified as Karthikayan, Arvindraj, and Santosh Kumaran, met head-on with the coach over their exclusion from the tournament squad. In a sudden escalation, the three allegedly assaulted him with a cricket bat, delivering multiple blows before fleeing the scene. As reported by NDTV, a senior police officer revealed that the assault was planned and extremely violent. The officer also informed that the suspects remain at large. “We are on the lookout for all three”, the officer said. Venkataraman suffered fractures to his shoulder and rib cage, along with a deep gash on his forehead that required 20 stitches, authorities confirmed. He is currently undergoing treatment. The police have registered an attempt-to-murder case. Surprisingly, according to the investigators, CCTVs at the CAP ground are non-functional! The shocking incident has sparked outrage in local cricketing circles, with several officials condemning the attack as a dangerous sign of rising pressure and indiscipline among young players. CAP sources said the association would fully cooperate with the investigation and take internal action once the police complete their inquiry. The violent assault inside a premier cricket facility has raised serious questions about player management, security at training venues, and the stresses surrounding state-level selections. For now, Puducherry Police says the priority is to arrest the accused and ensure accountability for the assault that has left the coaching fraternity shaken.
La Nación reveals that Federal Police raids the Argentina FA and football clubs
Argentina’s popular newspaper La Nacion has revealed that following orders from a Federal Judge, the Federal Police has started raids on the Argentine Football Association and a group of football clubs as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering. Federal police entered the AFA’s headquarters in Buenos Aires on Tuesday morning. According to La Nacion reports, the raids have stemmed from allegations of money laundering tied to the financial services firm Sur Finanzas. The report also says the judge ordered raids on more than 10 football clubs, including top-tier clubs Racing, San Lorenzo, and Independiente. Sur Finanzas, the AFA, and a spokesperson for prosecutors did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The federal court in Lomas de Zamora, a district in the province of Buenos Aires, from which La Nacion said the judge ordered the raids, could not immediately be reached. Racing, San Lorenzo, and Independiente did not immediately respond to a request for comment. La Nacion said the probe had been made after a criminal complaint that focused on transfers of money between football clubs and Sur Finanzas’ payment service platform. The raids could increase tensions between AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and President Javier Milei. Milei has pushed for Argentina’s clubs, which have long functioned as non-profit organizations run by their members, to become for-profit companies under private owners. The AFA has fought against legal efforts by Milei to allow for-profit clubs to join the association.
