The Football Players Association of India questioned the All India Football Federation on Thursday over financial stability and employment concerns for the players if the governing body decides to conduct a draft instead of bidding for players in an open market in the Indian Super League, Goal.com reported.
The AlFF shot back at the FPAI, stating that they do not recognise the lobby, claiming that their structure isn’t appropriate. The FPAI general manager Cyrus Confectioner stated that the players deserve to have their voices heard, and are not accountable to AIFF or ISL.
The report listed out FPAI’s concerns:
1. We are a registered organisation under the World Body for Players FIFPro and are in no way accountable to AIFF or ISL or any organsation so we DO NOT want their recognition. We are recognised by the Players and by FIFPro and that is enough for us. We follow their instructions.
2. Our structure is not correct? In our 11th year they wake up to think our structure is not correct? Maybe they are questioning their own structure or echoing someone else. Today everyone knows who the AIFF is speaking on behalf of. We are fine, thank you.
3. In most developed countries for Football, the FA and the Player Association have a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) and work together for the benefit of players. This includes the UK, Spain, USA, Italy, Australia, Japan and many others. Most clubs are also very happy with the way we are helping players in India. If the FA or the League does not want to recognise something it’s their choice. We are still friends and happy to operate independently. The choice is theirs. The media needs to understand that we are not a State FA or a subsidiary of AIFF/ISL/AFC or FIFA. And neither are we looking for recognition from them.
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