Promotion to ISL a big motivation for I-League Clubs, says Shabbir Ali

Former Indian football captain Shabbir Ali believes promotion to ISL will serve as a big motivation for the I-league clubs. As per the new rules, the I-league winner will be promoted to the ISL from the next season.

The club will be promoted to the ISL without any participation fee, but it will depend on the basic fulfillment of the club licensing criteria.

Thus, there is no doubt that it will give more exposure for the I-league champions to rub shoulders with the ISL players.

Shabbir Ali, who is also the Chairman of the AIFF’s Advisory Committee, and a Member of the Executive Committee, feels this is a step in the right direction for Indian football.

“It’s very important for all clubs, players and officials that we have promotion from the I-League to the ISL. It gives the clubs a lot of incentive to win the league,” said former India forward.

“Not only do you win the I-League and get the prize money and have a title to your name, but you also get to go to the top league, which is a big motivation.”

Ali recalled how he helped Salgaocar and Mohammedan gain promotion in the I-league as a coach.

“I had helped Salgaocar and Mohammedan gain promotion, and I can tell you that it’s always a brilliant moment for a club, when all things come together and the fruits of your hard work pay it’s dividends,” he said. “It also means that you have to meticulously plan for the next season. There’s a lot of changes in the squad, and as a coach you must bring in new players to play at a higher level.”

Ali also urged the AIFF to bring the prospect of relegation into the ISL so that deserving opportunities are given to other clubs.

“It’s never easy to be relegated, but it is also an essential part of the game. Especially in the latter part of the season, the teams in the bottom half don’t have much motivation on the pitch. You throw relegation into the mix, and they will be fighting tooth and nail to avoid it,” said he.

“That makes the league much more competitive. “Getting in sponsors, setting new budgets for playing at a higher level, signing new players, preparing for higher level operations, these are all part and parcel of the game, and promotion will put that into motion,” said Shabbir Ali.

“I was fortunate to experience these. Though the resources may not have been as much back then as they are now, but that excitement of promotion, I feel, will be the same.”