IMAGE: Luis Figo at the launch of the inaugural edition of Premier Futsal in Mumbai in 2016.
On a day, Premier Futsal launched its second edition in New Delhi on Thursday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said that it does not recognise the Premier Futsal promoted by football greats like Luis Figo and Ryan Giggs.
The AIFF also asked its state units not to allow their players to participate in the 'unauthorised and unofficial Futsal league'.
"AIFF reiterates that Premier Futsal is not recognised by the AIFF. Futsal, as per the AIFF constitution, is governed by the federation. The Federation is also instructing all its affiliate units not to allow players who are registered with the affiliates to participate in this unauthorised and unofficial Futsal league,"
the AIFF said in a release.
AIFF said it plans to start a futsal tournament this year along with its marketing partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the company which operates Indian Super League.
"The Federation plans to start its own futsal tournament this year along with its marketing partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). In this regards, the Federation has also written to the Asian Football Confederation for support in structuring a National Futsal tournament to be launched this year," it said.
Meanwhile, Premier Futsal launched its second edition of the five-a-side franchise-based league to be played later this year.
Legendary Portuguese playmaker Figo, Manchester United legend Giggs and Alessandro Rosa Vieira, popularly known as Falcao and considered the greatest futsal player, were present at the launch in New Delhi.
The trio met Sports Minister Vijay Goel and Figo, the head of Premier Futsal, said that his organisation has got the support of the Ministry.
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