Facing fund crunch, Chandigarh Football Assn asks members for way out

The Chandigarh Football Association (CFA) has sought suggestions from its members on how to raise funds for bearing expenses of footballing activities in the city. The members have been asked to submit their suggestions by September 15 through an internal communication issued by the organising secretary and administrative head of the association.

The body, which has been part of the national federation, All-India Football Federation (AIFF), for more than 27 years now seems to having a tough time keeping pace with the changing trend of Indian football. “We have been a member of the AIFF for the last more than 27 years and since then times have changed and the financial requirements for the CFA activities has increased manifold. Earlier, the educational institutions used to sponsor the state meets, which would be completed in a limited span of three to four days under the budget of Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000,” read the letter.

It further stated that, “Now, times have changed, and the AIFF is insisting on conducting state meets for all age groups on league basis, which would increase the expenses. The educational institutions are not willing to spend on the state league meets as they used to do earlier. A state league meets costs nearly Rs 1.50 lakh to 1.75 lakh. The association needs funds for state leagues of all age groups.”

The concern raised is not limited to change in the format of the leagues, but also over other expenses, which includes hiring of staff, reserving tickets for teams, managing kits and others. “The CFA used to get playing kits from various sport companies on no-cost basis, but now as per the AIFF rules and regulations, every team has to have two playing kits with the set of bibs for every national meet. No sports company is ready to sponsor this. Chandigarh teams participate in seven to eight nationals meets every year. Similarly, the CFA has to bear the expenses of a physiotherapist, coach and manager accompanying the teams. The amount for the same ranges from Rs 800, Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 per day and also for taking coaching camps,” the letter further read.

“The CFA has to make advance railway booking for the teams (to-and-fro) for the second AC in advance. The reimbursement is received from the AIFF, but only for a couple of months. To meet all above mentioned expenses we need to discuss and decide how to generate more funds to meet our annual expenses. The suggestions are invited on how to raise the funds and what steps are required on or before September 15.”

Meanwhile, the CFA will be organising the Blue Cubs League 2025 in the first week of November. The league will be organised in U-12 category (for players born or after January 1, 2013); U-11 (for players born or after January 1, 2014) and U-10 (for players born or after January 1, 2015) in the boys’ category.

The entry fee/registration fee of each player will be Rs 700 and the team has to register 14 players only and the total amount to be deposited with the organisers is Rs 9,800 per team. The matches will be of 40 minutes (with 5-minute break) for U-10 event, and 50 minute for both U-11 and U-12 events. The league will be played under seven-a-side format with five substitutions.