Indian champions vow to "fast unto death" if denied entrance to I-League
Surprise champs Aizawl FC have threatened a hunger strike if they are not granted their wish to play in the existing I-League next season.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) have introduced plans to have a brand new three-tier league system in place ahead of the 2017/18 season.
The top division will be the Indian Super League, but the federation do not plan to put Aizawl into the top tier – meaning the club will effectively be relegated.
The club released a (quickly escalating) statement via Twitter on Tuesday, in response to the plans. It read: “If no positive response is received from AIFF, the club will approach central sports minister, prime minister of India and also the president of the AFC.
“If these steps are failed [sic], the club will have no other choice but will resort to world-wide protests, sitting demonstration near AFC/FIFA offices, picketing of AIFF office, mass hunger strike/fast unto death protest.”
A senior AIFF official has said the Alzawl conundrum would be discussed at a meeting on Saturday.
“Aizawl’s win has put the federation in a tight spot," he told the Indian Express.
"Things should be clearer after Saturday’s meeting. Until then, it’s tough to speculate what will happen."
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