IPFA to serve ultimatum to AIFF

President of the Indian Professional Football Association Vijay Mallya has dashed off a strong letter of protest to the All India Football Federation for not implementing demands of the major clubs it said it would last December.

Mallya, on Thursday, informed that at a meeting of the IPFA on Wednesday it was decided to serve an ultimatum to the AIFF in this regard. He said if the demands were not met, its member clubs would boycott the next National Football League.

Last year, just before the start of the National League, the AIFF had averted a split after conceding to some demands of the IPFA, which was formed by major clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Churchill Brothers, F C Cochin, Salgaocar and Mahindra United. The demands included better allowances, air travel, improved facilities and chalking out a scheme to make the game electronic and print media friendly and attracting dwindling crowds by playing the league matches under floodlights.

The AIPA, at its meeting, also decided not to permit changes in the Federation Cup, scheduled from August 15.

Mallya also informed that the IPFA will set up two football academies in Durgapur in West Bengal and Cochin. He said it will also start organising benefit matches for former India footballers, starting with former national coach Dereyk DeSouza, who is facing financial problems.

UNI