League Sponsors ready to focus on foreigners
With 40 players already contracted to IMG-R, and another 20 Pailan Arrows first teamers also signed up, IMG-R are just four players away from completing the Indian quota for their new IPL style tournament.
Once completed this will leave the organisers clear to focus on signing the Marquee names that will hopefully, ensure the leagues success.
David Beckham, Michael Owen and Thierry Henry have all been linked with a move to the sub-continent.
According to Goal India, speaking to The Times of India a senior IMG-R Official said:” I think we should complete our Indian quota latest by next week. Once that happens, our focus will be turned to foreign signings.
“Our target is to sign 64 players. It will be the franchisees’ responsibility to look out for the juniors to complete the Indian quota.
“There will be 80 foreign players involved in the tournament. We are already in talks with some influential players but, like we told the AIFF executive committee, the names would be announced only early October.”
Each franchise must also include four local players, a rule designed to ensure the league is doing it’s bit to develop Indian football locally.
The local players will not be subject to an auction, unlike the Marquee and other Indian signings.