IPFA takes tough stand

The newly-formed Indian Premier Football Association, comprising the ten top clubs of the country, will not allow players from its member clubs to participate in the forthcoming Millennium Cup till matters with the All India Football Federation are resolved.

The IPFA said it will only negotiate with the AIFF only after its general body meeting and elections are over, and any decision to participate in the National Football League will be taken after that.

"If the AIFF starts the National Football league before the AGM and election, IPFA member clubs will not participate," IPFA vice-president, Anjan Mitra told a press conference in Calcutta on Friday.

The IPFA member clubs, which met in New Delhi on Friday, also decided to negotiate with the AIFF provided it was recognised as the sole representative of its member professional football clubs. "No club will individually negotiate with the AIFF," Mitra said.

Mitra, who is also the general secretary of Mohun Bagan,said if a player left a member club of the IPFA and played in AIFF conducted tournaments, he will be suspended and not be allowed to play for the concerned club or any IPFA member clubs.