Sports Minister Vijay Goel has said he will speak to the All India Football Federation on the issue of I-League champions Aizawl FC threatening a fast unto death if they are left out of a proposed unified league's top tier.
"As far as the controversy between Aizawl FC and Indian Super League (ISL) is concerned, I'm going to talk to the AIFF. Definitely I would like to take their case up at AIFF," Goel said during his inspection of the Saltlake Stadium's preparation for the U-17 World Cup in October.
Goel, however, said he's yet to receive any official letter from the I-League champions.
Ironically, Aizawl are not a part of the merger plans and stare at relegation into second division. In the new ISL, the existing eight clubs will be joined by at least three I-League clubs. The AIFF is in talks with Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
(Read: Aizawl FC Threaten ‘Fast Unto Death’ If Denied Entry in Top League)
In a statement, the club said it had submitted a "formal claim to the AIFF to continue in the top league even after proposed merger of the existing top league with the ISL." Aizawl FC said they would approach PM Narendra Modi and Asian Football Confederation president Salman Bin Ibrahim Al- Khalifa if they are denied an opportunity to defend their I- League title next season.
The Mizo side also threatened to resort to fast unto death if the AIFF relegates the club to the second division, as is being widely speculated.
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