AIFF battle hots up

Speaking to UNI on Thursday Dasmunshi refused to comment on his prospects in the coming presidential elections where he is pitted against Thapar. ’’All will be clear on December 16,’’ he said.

Thapar’s camp was confident that Dasmunshi will be dislodged from the post of the president. A close aide of Thapar indicated that some of the supporters of Dasmunshi might vote against him. They said that if Dasmunshi thinks that he will be re-elected, ’’he is living in a make-believe world’’.

The same website said that Dasmunshi was keen to prevent Indian Football Association (IFA) secretary Ranjit Gupta from representing IFA in the elections, to which Thapar said the loss of one vote would not make any difference to his prospects.

In an earlier interview, Thapar had said that Dasmunshi was in no way a threat to him and also claimed that he had the support of the newly formed Indian Premier Football Association (IPFA).

Thapar’s aides said he had mustered enough support to win the elections. Thapar has reportedly roped in the support of disgruntled AIFF secretary Kedarnath Mour. Infact, Thapar was flanked by Mour and Ranjit Gupta on both sides. When he announced at a crowded press conference that he would be contesting the elections.

This was followed by a tug-of-war between IPFA and the AIFF in which both the sides threatened each other with reprisals.

Observers however say that Dasmunshi’s electoral prospects have brightened after he clinched a truce with the IPFA, albeit, after conceding most of their demands. With both the sides refusing to budge, the elections scenario is interestingly poised and what remains to be seen is whether Thapar’s youthfulness and agility stands him in good stead or whether Dasmunshi’s persuasive skills sees him through.