Anthony takes Boro Ma’s blessings; dedicates SAFF Club Cup to the fans
The SAFF Club Cup-winning East Bengal women’s football team’s coaching staff led by Anthony Andrews visited Boro ma goddess temple on Monday morning, on the day after the Red-and-Gold women’s brigade returned to Kolkata with the trophy. Ahead of their campaign in the IWL on 24th December, Anthony when asked about the title and prospect in the IWL, said to Parallel Sports, “I dedicate the SAF Club Championship trophy to the fans. We missed the AFC Club Championship qualification for the main round by a whisker, conceding a last-minute goal. Then after returning I watched how fans who were passionately praying for us, became demoralized. That is why, this time we decided to dedicate the SAFF Club Championship trophy to them.” East Bengal coach ha already achieved a rare feat in India’s women’s football history by winning three trophies in a single season already and now he is aiming to defend the IWL. “Our girls played back-to-back matches. Naturally they are exhausted. So they have started doing rehab program in Kalyani. Additionally, a few of our girls received injuries. So they need the rehab program for the recovery. After their recovery I hope they will again be able to deliver their best to defend the title,” added Anthony.
AIFF initiates for a separate footballers’ union! Receives wrath from the world body
The AIFF has initiated for the build-up a separate Football Players’ Association! But this move faces criticism from the the world body of Professional Footballers’ Union, FIPRO. FIPRO is concerned with the attempt to control players rather than allow genuine independent representation. The organization expressed deep concern on Sunday about the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) initiative to introduce its own footballers’ association. Last week, the AIFF opened registrations to form its own National Players’ Association (NPA), which included a set of criteria for interested applicants, including playing the sport at an elite level in the country. The NPA is an independent body represented by football players. Despite being an independent body, the NPA will not have a separate identity according to the AIFF Constitution’s Schedule IV, Article 1.4. And therefore, the body will not have the authority to act on behalf of AIFF or to represent it to any third parties. The most interesting part of AIFF’s initiative is that NPA will not have any authority to legally bind or commit AIFF in any way. The AIFF said elections for the office bearers of the NPA board will be conducted by the federation’s election committee. FIFPRO is deeply concerned by the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) decision to start a process to create a players’ association under its own control. This is an attempt to bypass the Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI), the legitimate representative body of professional footballers in India,” FIFPRO said in a statement. “A players’ association effectively controlled by the federation would deprive players of an independent union, as well as meaningful influence and collective bargaining power, all of which are fundamental to effective worker representation under International Labour Organisation standards,” the Body added. “All top professional football leagues around the world have independent player unions. Regrettably, AIFF is following a broader and increasingly visible tactic in football governance, whereby so-called “yellow unions” are created to weaken, bypass, or delegitimise genuine and independent player representation.” FIFPRO also stated that it had already reached out to AIFF, FIFA, and AFC via a letter in October, addressing the issues plaguing Indian football. FIFPRO emphasized that authorities must respect international labour standards, democratic principles, and the right of Indian professional footballers to be represented by an independent, player-led union, highlighting their belief that AIFF’s move undermines these rights.
I-League Clubs’ proposal to the AIFF for a new League with 18 teams!
I-League clubs have submitted a proposal to revive the I-League. According to the plans, a new league, to be named Indian Football Premier League (IFPL) can be hosted by the clubs themselves. According to the proposed plans I-League clubs will form a consortium and they are reportedly ready to contribute Rs. 50 crore in total to AIFF for the next 15 years to make this vision a reality. Meanwhile, AIFF executive committee member Avijit Paul has sent a strong email to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey opposing the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs’ offer of Rs 10 Crore to the AIFF from the next season. Paul calls the proposal “unacceptable” and an attempt to undermine the authority of Indian football’s top governing body. In his letter, Paul responded to the joint communication sent by a majority of ISL clubs to the AIFF and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which proposed granting perpetual rights to a club-owned company to operate India’s top-tier professional league under its regulatory oversight. The AIFF Executive Committee member said the proposal conflicts with its Constitution and ongoing legal proceedings before the Supreme Court of India.
Bala Devi still a strength, says Technical Director; Fitness trainer’s inclusion bolsters the girls
The think-tank of Shreebhumi FC seems more positive this year, ahead of their second season in the Indian Women’s League (IWL), which finished third in their debut in the elite Indian Women’s League (IWL) last season. One of the reasons is the inclusion of a fitness and a physical trainer. Technical Director, Shukla Dutta, says, “The girls look fitter, more competitive this time in the training.” The team have been preparing for almost a month at Kalyani Stadium ground. The team’s chief coach, Sujata Kar also agreed to the point, stating, “Fitness and physical trainer’s joining have strengthened the preparation. Still, we did not get 11 of our footballers during most of our preparation as all of them went to play for the country in the under-17 and under-20 categories.” Shreebhumi FC has signed a few Indian internationals, including Anju Tamang, Shibani Nongmeikapan, and Thoibisana Toijam, along with seasoned campaigners like Rimpa Halder, Moushumi Murmu, and Bala Devi, who wore Shreebhumi FC shirts last season. Sujata herself also wants to make a fresh beginning after a gloomy phase as the coach of Southern Samity in the CFL last season. “I am always in a learning process. So, I am looking forward to a new season to prove my mettle again,” added the coach. When asked about the players’ strength in the team, Shukla Dutta mentioned Bala’s name, adding, “She has a huge experience and she still guides the youngsters in a way that has been an example and additional motivation for them. I feel Bala Devi is still a strength for us.”
ISL clubs’ proposal: Only Rs 10 crore to the AIFF from next season and demand for total rights of League!
Indian Super League clubs, except East Bengal, following a meeting on Friday has proposed to the AIFF and Union Sports Ministry in a joint email where the clubs have sought perpetual rights to “operate, manage, and commercially exploit” the top-tier professional league and at the same time, they have mentioned unwillingness to pay any amount to the AIFF this season. Rather, in their e-mail the clubs have mentioned they will pay an amount to the AIFF, but only Rs 10 crores, and that will start from 2026-27 onwards. The clubs have also pointed out that the Federation can utilize the amount for grassroots and youth development, referee, coach, and technical development, apart from administrative and governance expenses. It has also been proposed that AIFF should give them an official approval for the rights of the League and ownership structure to a “dedicated league company in perpetuity, where the clubs shall collectively hold a “permanent” majority shareholding pattern. “AIFF shall hold one special share, safeguarding sporting integrity, regulatory authority, and statutory compliance; and the Clubs shall have the flexibility to induct a commercial or strategic partner at the league level, provided always that the Clubs, individually and collectively, retain majority ownership and voting control,” it is written in the letter. The clubs want to have the majority of shareholding in the League company even after dilution of stakes to induct a commercial partner, with AIFF having the perpetual right to nominate only one director on its board. Surprisingly, the clubs have not mentioned the promotion and relegation from the ISL in their proposal e-mail. In the proposed framework, AIFF role would only be limited to “regulatory and governance functions”, which would include framing and enforcing competition regulations, disciplinary codes, club licensing requirements, referees and match officials and preparation of the schedule calendar, but would not bear any “commercial risk” or responsibility to operate the league. AIFF received Rs 50 crore of an average for the last 10 years as per its 15-year agreeement with Reliance-subsidiary FSDL that ended on December 8.
Tanzanian defender and Kenyan forward key to debutant Sesa FA’s show in the IWL
Among the eight teams competing in the Indian Women’s League (IWL), Sesa FA is the debutant, the fifth Goan club, and the first after a two-season gap. IWL is starting on 20th December. The team will begin their campaign on Saturday against fellow promoted side Garhwal United at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. The side has roped in two experienced foreigners, Tanzanian defender Diana Antwi and Kenyan forward Omita Bertha, and they are likely to be the key footballers to bolster the team’s performance in the League. Both have represented the IWL sides Sethu FC and Gokulam Kerala FC, respectively. Along with them, eight Goan talents are also part of the squad, and the rest of the squad is comprised of players from across the country, many of whom have represented national teams at various age groups. Team’s chief coach, former India international Nicholas Rodrigues, sounded optimistic despite her girls taking part in the League for the first time. Rodrigues disclosed his key purpose is to instill a sense of belief among the girls. The coach believes that if there is steadfast support, then the results will follow. While Sesa will face tough challenges from the experienced IWL campaigners, Rodrigues promises the players who are already excited to have earned qualification for the elite IWL are ready to deliver their best.
59 injured after fans riot at Copa Colombia final
Medellin witnessed massive violence on Wednesday night after frantic fans of the rival teams were engaged in hostility, destroying stadium infrastructure and clashing with each other, including the police officers. Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez said there would be consequences for those who attended Wednesday’s Copa Colombia final to “generate violence” after 59 people were injured, including seven police officers, in clashes between rival fans. Violence broke out after Atlético Nacional defeated Medellín rival Deportivo Independiente Medellín 1-0 in the second leg of the Copa Colombia final at Estadio Atanasio Girardot. William Castano told news channel Teleantioquia that officers had seized weapons, flares, and fireworks from fans during checks at the stadium. “It was necessary to apply the graduated use of force, to help prevent the occupation of the pitch by the fans, to control outbreaks of public order disturbances, and to guarantee the safety of citizens attending the event,” Castano added. Mayor Gutierrez said on social media that the majority of fans at the stadium were there to watch football, but a group of “misfits” was intent on violence. “Anyone who went to the stadium to attack, destroy, or incite fear will be held accountable under the law. We will not allow a few to damage what belongs to everyone,” he wrote. “For years, we’ve been a beacon of peaceful football in our country and throughout Latin America. What a disappointment.”
Union Sports Ministry’s nod to the clubs to conduct ISL; Asks AIFF for AFC allotment
Union Sports Ministry, in a virtual meeting with the ISL clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) top brass, has given a green signal to the clubs to conduct ISL, which is in a stalemate. The joint secretary of the ministry has asked the clubs to submit proposals for the ISL, both on a short-term and long-term basis. The ministry, however, has simultaneously asked the clubs to reduce the budget for the stadiums and training expenditures they spend on their home matches. The Union Sports Ministry, at the same time, has reminded the clubs to coordinate with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) through the AIFF for its permission if a short-term ISL is proposed by the clubs for this season only. According to the AFC rule, the country’s top-tier league must have at least 27 matches. However, the ISL clubs requested the Union Sports Ministry and the AIFF representative to introduce a salary-cap for the players, divulging that they already spent an amount, out of their budget for the players amidst the ongoing impasse. East Bengal representative in the virtual meeting opined if the ISL is continued for the long term by the clubs themselves, then they will take part in the League but will not be a part of stake-holders. However, the clubs have informed Union Sports Ministry that they will submit proposals following a meeting in between them and submit the proposal to the Union Sports Ministry which will be deposited to the Supreme Court finally. Former vice-president of the Federation, Subrata Dutta, however, said, “Even if the Supreme Court approves proposal, then also ISL cannot be resumed by February.”
Messi thanks India’s football lovers in his Instagram post
Lionel Messi in an Instagram video after returning to Inter Miami, Lionel Messi shared a post expressing his desire to come to India again. He hopes to return to India again. He wrote in his post, ‘First of all, I would like to thank India for all the live they have shown over the last few days. It was a great experience for us. It was intense and short, but it was beautiful to receive all the love.” “I already knew it was coming, but to receive it in the first place was amazing. It’s crazy what they’ve done for us over the last few days. We will take all the love, and we will be back.” Messi’s tour was organised by A Satadru Dutta Initiative, with the Argentina captain accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul. His tour began with an early setback as the first chapter ended in chaos and vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, following his early exit. However, the remaining three legs proceeded smoothly, with Messi playing rondos and keepie-uppies, and also kicking footballs to fans. “Hopefully, one day, we will be able to play a game, but we will be back to visit India. Thank you very much,” Messi added.
Now, FPAI moves to the Delhi Court against the AIFF !
Football Players Association of India (FPAI) has moved to the Delhi High Court on Tuesday, alleging that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) deliberately avoided including them in its upcoming annual general meeting, according to a report from News9 Sports. The former football players claimed they made repeated requests for representation in accordance with the newly adopted constitution, but these were ignored by AIFF. FPAI referred to Article 20.2 of AIFF’s new constitution, asserting that their urgent appeal is in response to what they perceive as the Federation’s intentional and arbitrary attempt to remove FPAI’s status as the recognized national players’ association ahead of the AGM. As per the Supreme Court-approved constitution, AIFF is mandated to form the NPA, inclusive of 15 “eminent” players, who will have voting rights in its general body. Since they are the only representative body of players in the country with the strength of 550 active members, FPAI requested AIFF for inclusion in the AGM on 2nd December. As FPAI received no clear response, they have now argued that AIFF is creating a deception of neutrality so that players remain voiceless in the 20th December meeting, where several crucial agendas are scheduled to be discussed, which are related to footballers’ welfare. The AIFF issued a formal notice for its AGM on 20th November, but sought applications for NPA, national referees’ association (NRA) and national coaches’ association (NCA) only on 12th December, with a deadline for submission open till January 11, 2026. “The timing and manner of such exclusion clearly indicate the oblique motive of the Respondents (AIFF and its president Kalyan Chowbey to frustrate the representation of players in the AGM and obfuscate their vote. This is in direct breach of the express provisions of the AIFF Constitution, particularly Article 20.03 and the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s judgment,” FPAI said in its appeal, which will be heard on Wednesday.
