I-League 2017: 5 reasons why Goa clubs made the right choice in pulling out of the I-League

The Goan club exodus: The right step?

As the Indian Super League reaches its business end, ripples have been set in motion in the Indian football arena. News of premier football clubs, like Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa pulling out of the coveted I-League has been confirmed. What triggered this is a different story. But the fact that these top clubs have decided to withdraw from the national league is heartbreaking.

An average football fan might not realise the loss. But the ardent Indian football follower can already feel something amiss from the ensuing Hero I-League.

It is a tetchy atmosphere as Praful Patel aims to make ISL the top competition in India. Amidst the same, this move is being touted as the necessary jolt that was required. But in all hindsight, this is the correct move. 5 reasons to convince you why:-

#5 A vast fanbase is an important parameter to decide the success of a football club

Names like Salgaocar, Sporting Clube de Goa and now Dempo- these are clubs which boast of a rich legacy. Their glory days have earned them a multitude of fans from all parts of the country. But ISL clubs like FC Goa would not stand a chance to the veritable following of their I-League counterparts.

Consequently, if these traditional old boys of Goan football refuse to compete in the national league, their revenues are bound to dry up. But the loyal fans of Goa would still make a beeline to the stadium to watch their favourite teams participate in local leagues. Under compelling circumstances, it would be beneficial to protect the greater interest of the clubs.