AIFF cuts down I-League budget
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a revised budget for the 2023-24 season, with increased spending on the national teams and a reduction in costs for the I-League.
Hindustan Times reveals that the budget, which was approved at the AIFF’s annual general meeting, allocates 21.5 crores for the national men’s teams, up from 13.13 crores last year. This represents a 63% increase. The women’s national teams will receive 10.3 crores, up from 8 crores. This represents a 28.75% increase. The I-League budget has been reduced from 15.1 crores to 14.2 crores. This represents a 5.3% reduction. The reduction in costs is due to the fact that the league will expand from 12 to 16 teams in the 2023-24 season, which will lead to increased costs for hosting matches.
The AIFF said that the increased spending on the national teams is necessary to improve their performance at international tournaments. The women’s team, in particular, has been struggling in recent years, and the AIFF hopes that the increased investment will help them improve their ranking and qualify for major tournaments. The reduction in costs for the I-League is a positive development for the clubs, who have been struggling financially in recent years. The AIFF said that the reduction in costs will allow the clubs to focus on improving their on-field performance.
The AIFF also expects monetary kindness from the government for its 50% hike in the I-League budget. The federation said that the increase in costs is necessary to improve the quality of the league and attract better players. The government has not yet responded to the AIFF’s request. However, the federation is hopeful that the government will recognize the importance of football in India and provide the necessary financial support.
The revised budget is a sign that the AIFF is committed to improving the performance of Indian football. The increased spending on the national teams and the reduction in costs for the I-League are both positive steps, and it will be interesting to see how they impact the sport in the coming years.
The AIFF’s request for monetary kindness is a bold move. However, it’s a necessary one if the federation wants to improve the quality of the I-League and attract better players as well as sponsors. The government should recognize the importance of football in India and provide the necessary financial support.
