Kolkata: Chasing a hat-trick of titles in the Federation Cup, seven-time champions East Bengal hit out at the AIFF on Thursday, saying the premier tournament was being organised "unprofessionally", with the main round beginning on Saturday.
East Bengal general secretary Kalyan Majumdar Club lamented that there was no promotion of the tournament in Kolkata and people were hardly aware of such an important tournament, which gives an opportunity for the winner to play at the international level.
Doubting whether even 10 percent of the football lovers would know about it, Majumdar complained, "Even an amateur-level tournament is better organised. Many football lovers would not know about it."
He also criticised the scheduling of the games, saying it was physically taxing on the players. As per the schedule, the teams qualifying for the final will have to play five games in the main round in less than two weeks.
"Even the 7.30 PM start is crazy," Majumdar said at a meet - the press programme - at the Calcutta Sports Journalists' Club.
"Also, it will be shown by a channel that does not have a reach outside Bengal. I am not sure whether they (the AIFF) want the football followers to watch the matches," he stated.
Ridiculing the Rs 25 lakh prize purse, the East Bengal top official said, "It won't make even a player's salary."
In such a scenario, making the AFC Cup is the only motivation for a club in India, Majumdar said.
"Winning the Federation Cup gives us a ticket to AFC Cup, that's the only big attraction. It helps the top-recruited players to make their name on an international stage."
East Bengal have ignored goalkeeper Abhra Mondal, who was named skipper for the upcoming season, in a 20-member squad announced on Wednesday.
Majumdar said captaincy was a honorary post given to the senior-most player at East Bengal.
Meanwhile, East Bengal forward Robin Singh was ruled out of their Federation Cup opener after twisting his ankle during practice on Wednesday.
"He twisted his ankle while running backwards. But the MRI did not reveal anything serious. There is no muscle tear or fracture," an East Bengal team official said. "We expect him to be fit by our second match (on September 19 against Pune FC)."
The defending champions, who will be chasing a third straight title, will take on Mohammedan Sporting on September 17 in Kolkata to kick-off their campaign in Group C, which also has Dempo and Pune FC.
Kolkata will also host the Group D matches, while matches of Groups A and B will be played in Pune.
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