Santosh Trophy Weary Of AIFF Rule?Straightening required.....

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) stipulation not allowing under-23 football players to play in the Santosh Trophy- India’s premier and most coveted Cup – has left many in the game in a flux.  It has led to a cat and mouse syndrome. At one point , the decision seems good for the development while at the other end, it does not.

“The decision was taken to broadbase the game. The under-23 playing in the I League have enough of competition. This rule was put in place to help those who do not get a chance to play many games,” says AIFF general secretary Kushal Das.

“ The current rule makes it mandatory for all I League teams to field two under-23 players for all their games. So, there is no way the boys in the I League are not going to get a chance. It is not that the I League have all under-23 players. So , the playing hours a under-23 footballer gets is high,” says Kushal Das while trying to justify the decision.

“ There are under-23 players in the I League who play for  very little time. The AIFF should put a time limit. Say , if a under-23 player plays for more than 500 hours then he should not be allowed,” states Arjuna awardee Brahmanand  Shankwalkar. “ With this new rule , not only do the under-23 players suffer but winning the Santosh Trophy becomes difficult for States like Goa , Bengal etc..etc. It is the states with very few teams in the I League that benefit. Look at the North Eastern states,” avers Brahmanand.

“Take the case of Goa. There are some good under-23 players registered with I League teams. They hardly play more than 150 odd minutes for them. Yet , thy cannot represent Goa. Good talent is sitting out. Some amendment is required,” thinks Brahmanand.

“ There is enough competition in the I League. It is a misconception that the players do not get enough opportunities to play. The reverse is true.It is purely to broadbase the game that thi decision was taken,” states Kushal Das.

“The rule can definitely be fine tuned. This can be done if the interest of the players is genuinely in mind of the authorities concerned. This is not the end of the road,” states another renowned footballer from Goa.

Another aspect of the matter is : how is the Santosh Trophy perceived now a days? Still the best tournament that the best players want to play and win , the Santosh Trophy seems marginalised after the onset of the I-League. “ Take Goa. The chief Minister has declared football as the State sport. For sure the best players would like to play and win the Santosh Trophy. Many will be unable to do so with this rule. It is a pity,” says another international player from Goa.

There has been much consternation in the minds of those involved with football over this AIFF directive. According to sources in the AIFF, the matter is not closed. If a positive suggestion for the development of football sprouts up, it can be looked into. The AIFF is listening , and most importantly, waiting to see what drives up the road. Hopefully , football lovers and players will not have to wait for long!