The Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal may have ridiculed the timing and format of the AIFF’s new Super Cup involving 16 ISL and I-League football teams, but Kerala Blasters head coach David James thinks it’s a great idea.
“The Super Cup…I think it’s great. It’s a great opportunity for Indian football to see where the power lies. Bengaluru FC came from the I-League and now it is on top of the ISL. It will be interesting to see how this cup finishes up,” said the former England goalkeeper here on Thursday evening.
The AIFF’s League Committee decided in New Delhi on Monday to have the Super Cup between March 31 and April 22 with the qualifiers from March 12 to 31.
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KNOCKOUT FORMAT
The knockout tournament will feature the top six teams of the I-League and the ISL, which will be given a direct entry to the pre-quarterfinals, while the bottom-placed teams from both the leagues will have a play-off for the other four berths. Kochi is one of the contenders to host the Super Cup.
According to recent reports, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are unhappy with the knockout format and scheduling, and also with the fact that the number of foreign players to be registered for the Super Cup has not been finalised yet. Where does the I-League stand when compared to the ISL?
“I think one of the difficulties that the I-League has got is the standard of the pitches. In the ISL, every pitch has been spot on, makes it easier to play on. However, there are a lot of talented ISL players who have come from the I-League. I’m sure more such players will come in from the I-League,” said James, a former World Cupper.
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