Corporate pull out

The survival of the club depends on the infrastructure available which creates a revenue stream necessary for its survival, Durante told The Indian Express.

One year on,Mahindra have no regrets Durante stressing that Indian football is in as sad a state as it was when they left. The state of various football grounds across the country is as dismal as it was last year. Theres hardly any spectators at I-league matches and no television exposure means sponsors will always be reluctant taking a step forward, said Durante.

Every I-league team,on an average,spends up to Rs 8 crores to maintain their team,while the maximum amount of prize money per season can extend only up to a crore,thus leaving the club in a losing position financially.

Mahindra United went through the same tough situation which resulted in their closure. We tried everything that there was but just could not find a way to sustain ourselves, said Durante.

According to Durante,the future progress of Indian football clubs depends directly on the infrastructure growth.

A good ground will ensure good football and the spectators will pour in. The clubs can then undertake marketing strategies in order to popularise the game, he adds.