Aizawl FC was recently relegated from the I-league after they made their debut this season. After a thrilling last day match which saw their hopes of a return to the I league next season crushed, they hope that there might be another way to help them come back to the first league.
Aizawl Coach Jahar Das has expressed how the All India Football Federation (AIFF) should save the team from relegation in order to develop Indian football.
Although Aizawl FC finished eighth from nine teams, DSK Shivajians who were also debuting this season were granted immunity before the start of the season, so even though they finished bottom of the table,the team right above it was relegated. This sadly meant that Aizawl FC were directly in the line of fire.
The I-league 2015-16 season was a thrilling season with many upsets, one of them carried by Aizawl FC who defeated football powerhouse Mohun Bagan. Most teams were very evenly matched but what is unique about Aizawl FC is that 90 per cent of the team is made out of local boys. The team has performed well under Jahar Das and they recorded a valiant victory in the Federation cup a few days ago in which they beat current I-league champions Bengaluru FC by a scoreline of 2-1.
The coach and club hope that they are allowed to stay in the league but according to I-league CEO Sunando Dhar, Aizawl FC has not made any formal request but when they do the I-league will be open to a discussion on the matter.
(TNT News with input from The Hindu)