Q: When is the ISL, I-League merger planned?
Dhar: We have only initiated dialogue discussions with IMG Reliance. For now, when the merger will happen, no timeline has been set. But for one thing we are certain; all of us want a single League. It is difficult at this moment to put a timeline to it. It may even take a few years, but we are trying to see how fast that can be implemented.
Q: But why the merger? Cannot the two Leagues “ ISL and Hero I-League co-exist?
Dhar: The thing that every country wants is one League. To have more than one, puts pressure on scheduling. To develop one League it takes 6-7 months. Ideally, matches should be held on weekends with clubs fulfilling the licensing criteria. We all agree to the fact, that these measures have improved clubs tremendously going forward. One important thing is that everything should be in place. We should also have a second and third division in place. This would ensure that we have 30-40 professional clubs all put together. This will give adequate opportunities for footballers to perform. Furthermore, each club has to have a youth system in place. This will prepare the youth teams to rise through the ranks and represent their senior team.
Q: It has been reported that the budget for the new, unified League will not exceed Rs 18 crore per season. The Hero I-League clubs spend around Rs 11-12 crore each season on an average. How would you see the financial aspect be addressed with clubs having to step up on the expenditure front?
Dhar: We have never discussed any figures yet. If we have to improve the system of Indian football, we certainly have to invest well. And if it is Rs 18 crore, it would be decided over time. If we have to build a good team, we also must have an academy, invest in infrastructure, grassroots. The technical as well as non-technical aspects constitute a football team to be in good stead which is true for any club around the globe. If anyone is interested in football and is passionate for the game, they will be willing to invest well for their team.
Q: What would be the criteria on selection of teams on merger?
Dhar: With the eventual realisation of one League, the best of any League will come into play. The process for the merger has only been initiated with Reliance IMG. Dialogues with them as said earlier have only begun. We need to further have discussions with the stakeholders as well. Thereon, the League will be given a name. For the moment, nothing has been decided yet as to which team will be in, and which would be left out for the inaugural edition. But we would not be unjust to any team, and the best will qualify.
Q: With the merger, how will the teams qualify for the AFC Cup?
Dhar: As and when it happens, the winner of the top league (he calls it that for now) represents the country at international tourneys as the AFC Cup and Champions League. The team that tops the eventual League will qualify for whatever slots India gets for overseas tournaments.
Q: What would be the foreigner criteria for the unified League?
Dhar: We will follow the rules at AFC competitions. We shall abide by what AFC and FIFA regulate.
Q: In your current standing, as CEO, Hero I-League how would you explain for the virtual empty stands for matches in Goa in home I-League matches?
Dhar: In fact, this year there is a 40 per cent rise in stadium attendance. After Salgaocar FC moved to Tilak Maidan (Vasco), there has been a definite increase in home team support. While last year at Fatorda, there was an average attendance of 1000 spectators, it has moved up to 5000 at their new Vasco base. Even Sporting Clube de Goa who have their matches in Fatorda, have almost doubled their spectator attendance this year from the last with an average of 2500 people per game.
