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Champions Aizawl FC say they must be included in potential Indian Super League and I-League merger

By Dev Trehan

Wednesday 3 May 2017 12:19, UK

Atletico de Kolkata with Indian Super League trophy
Image: Aizawl are desperate to join the likes of Atletico de Kolkata (pictured) as part of I-League and ISL merger

India's I-League champions Aizawl FC have threatened possible hunger strikes if they are not included in the country's top football league next season.

Aizawl - the minnows from the state of Mizoram - completed a Leicester-style fairytale on Sunday by becoming the first side from the country's north east to be crowned champions of India's FIFA-recognised top division, the I-League.

Alessandro Del Piero and Robert Pires both played in the inaugural Indian Super League (pic: Dev Trehan)
Image: Alessandro Del Piero and Robert Pires both played in the inaugural ISL in 2014 (pic: Dev Trehan)

But Aizawl could effectively be relegated if a proposal to merge the I-League with the Indian Super League [ISL] is ratified. Talks have been ongoing between ISL organisers and I-League powerhouses Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Bengaluru about the trio joining the eight-team competition, creating a newly-restructured main league in India.

Aizawl have never been involved in such discussions and the club have vowed to 'fast to the death' if necessary to ensure their interests are safeguarded.

"Aizawl FC has submitted its formal claim to continue in the top league even after proposed merger of the existing top league with ISL," the club said in a statement.

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"If no positive response if received from AIFF [All India Football Federation], the club will approach Central sports Minister, Prime Minister of India, and also President of AFC [Asian Football Confederation].

"If all these steps are failed, the Club will have no other choice but will resort to worldwide protests, sitting demonstration near AFC/FIFA offices, picketing of AIFF Office, mass hunger strike/fast unto death protest."