‘We’re prepared for worst-case scenario of ISL not happening,’ says Kerala Blasters CEO

Kerala Blasters said they have been open with their foreign players about the stalemate in Indian football and are prepared for the worst-case scenario of the Indian Super League (ISL) not happening.

"From our side, we have communicated the situation exactly as it is. Things are very visible and there is nothing to hide," Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters, told Onmanorama.

The Blasters recently released prolific striker Jesus Jimenez, heeding to the Spaniard's request to continue playing while the upcoming season of the ISL remains on hold. Jimenez, who was the club's highest goalscorer last season, with 11 goals from 18 matches, has signed up for Polish first division side Nieciecza.

"It is not that we want to release our players. But we have told the players that it is up to them, and that we will not create an issue by demanding a transfer fee or making their exit difficult, if they want to leave. With Jesus, he took his call," Chatterjee said.

The Blasters' CEO did not specify if more foreign players have asked to be released from their contracts. "As things stand, there are two scenarios: a delayed start to the ISL or the season not happening. In the worst-case scenario, we don't want the players to say 'you could have told us', so we have presented them with the facts," Chatterjee said.

The uncertainty over the ISL, originally scheduled to begin in September, is down to the conflict between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) over renewing the Master Rights Agreement. There is also a case pending in the Supreme Court, the verdict on which is expected this month. The AIFF said its legal counsel has advised to wait for the SC verdict before proceeding with further discussions.

Transfer strategy
Before the stalemate became apparent, the Blasters were primed to rebuild from a disastrous campaign, which saw them sack a head coach (Mikael Stahre) and miss out on the playoffs after finishing eighth.

Spaniard David Catala was appointed as head coach in March, on a one-year contract, with the upcoming season in mind. However, in recent weeks, the club parted ways with a handful of players and coaches. Milos Drincic, Kwame Peprah, Ishan Pandita, Kamaljit Singh, and Saurav Mandal were among the players who bid farewell, while coaches Tomasz Tchorz, Werner Martens, and Slaven Progovecki also left.

Only a few clubs have gone ahead and signed foreigners; Marcus Merghulhao of the Times of India reported earlier today that FC Goa have ensured they have a full quota of overseas players with the signings of midfielder David Timor and defender Pol Moreno as they prepare for next month's AFC Champions League playoffs.

"I can only speak for KBFC, but I think at least four other clubs have decided to wait and watch," Chatterjee said.

"Each club will have its strategy. The Indian (transfer) market is different from the foreign market, which is vast, offering us various options. We are working behind the scenes, but at the moment, we are waiting for some clarity to execute our plans. In any case, we won't be found wanting. We will not be unprepared," Chatterjee said. The Blasters, three-time ISL finalists, are the only ISL franchise from Kerala.