The tough stand taken by the I-League clubs of not releasing contracted players for the IPL-style tournament doesn't seem to be bothering IMG-Reliance anymore. The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) commercial partners claim to have 'almost' filled up their quota for Indian players for the three-month long tournament,scheduled to be held from January to March next year. It is believed that IMG-R have signed,or agreed in principle with,57 players including the 20 players associated with Pailan Arrows,AIFF's developmental side in the I-League. As of now,IMG-R needs 104 Indian players for the tournament. However,each of the eight franchises will have to scout for young players from the city where they will be based out of and include five of them in their respective rosters. "So 40 players are likely to be signed from that procedure,which leaves IMGR just seven short of completing the quota of Indian players," said a source. According to sources,the franchisees will be based in Mumbai,Goa,Pune,Bangalore,Hyderabad,Delhi,Kochi with the last franchise based out of the North-East. Former India captain Baichung Bhutia,ex-internationals Renedy Singh and Surkumar Singh,current players Gouramangi Singh,Syed Rahim Nabi and Nirmal Chhetri are among the 35 players who have signed for the tournament. Earlier this week,IMG-R have also signed midfielder Gouranga Biswas and defender Biswajit Saha. None of these players have been signed by the I-League clubs for the coming season so far. Only free agents "We have signed only the players who are free agents. We have not depended on the I-League clubs to release their players so far and we're going to maintain the same attitude even in the future until proper discussions are held," the source said. "That is one of the reasons why IMG-R haven't really bothered to meet the clubs and bow to their demands." IMGR have also gone about booking the stadiums for their tournament,with venues for Bangalore (Kanteerava Stadium),Mumbai (DY Patil Stadium) and Goa (Nehru Stadium,Fatorda) on their wish list. The source explained that IMG-R's key objective is to get top international footballers for the tournament,which will attract enough eyeballs. "Let's be honest,the general public isn't aware of Indian footballers. So the tournament is going to be marketed around through the foreign stars. If that bit is taken care of,then it doesn't really matter which Indian players take part in the tournament," he said. The official added that IMG-R is also expecting the clubs to soften their stand and release the players for the tournament when the two parties meet in August. IMG-R is also believed to be in touch with the clubs on an individual basis,offering huge sums in order to avail the services of their players. With the Kolkata clubs in a financial mess owing to the chit fund scam,the organisers are hoping they will eventually accept the terms. Raj Gomes,the president of Indian Professional Football Clubs Association,accepted that IMGR have tried to approach a few clubs individually but was confident that they will remain united. "Yes,they have tried to get in touch with the clubs. But the clubs are united in their stand and have unanimously decided not to accept their demands. Any kind of breakthrough will be achieved only when IMG-R meets the clubs and explains the nitty-gritties of their league," Gomes said.
