Sports minister Vijay Goel says he will speak to AIFF regarding exodus of clubs from I-League

Panaji, Sep 27: Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Monday expressed unhappiness over the top football clubs of the country leaving the I-League and promised to speak to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to look into the matter.

Talking on the sidelines of the unveiling of the BRICS U-17 football tournament logo here, Goel said, "I will speak to those from the federation and ask them to find a resolution to the problem.

He was asked if he was concerned about the exodus of top-flight teams from the I-league, following the emergence ofIndian Super League (ISL).

Top teams from Goa like the Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa have already exited the I-League, while former league winners Dempo FC are also expected to follow suit.

Goel said both he as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi were keen on promoting football and other sports in the country.

He added that the U-17 tournament, which will be held parallel to the BRICS Summit, will strengthen the ties between the member states.

"We should encourage such games between member states as that will increase bonding and create a warm atmosphere between the people of those countries," Goel said.