IWL 2023: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently announced that the Indian Women’s League (IWL) will guarantee a minimum wage for female footballers starting from the upcoming season. However, the decision has been met with mixed reactions from the stakeholders involved, with some expressing concern over the decision’s financial viability.
Here are the key takeaways from the recent developments in the IWL: IWL 2023
- The AIFF has made it mandatory for the top eight IWL teams to have at least 10 Indian players on yearly contracts of at least Rs 3.2 lakh, ensuring a minimum wage for players.
- The move has been welcomed by the footballers who have been competing with little financial motivation so far.
- However, several IWL club owners have expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, stating that it was made without considering their opinion and that it will lead to financial strain for smaller clubs.
- Some club owners have even stated that they may consider withdrawing from the league in the future, citing a lack of sponsorship, poor telecast, and insufficient cash prizes as further reasons for their disillusionment with the current state of the league.
IWL 2023: Clubs Express Concern over Minimum Wage Policy, AIFF Promises Financial Assistance – What it Means for Women’s Football in India?
- The AIFF has acknowledged the shift as the first step towards entering the professional sector, stating that it will attract serious, long-term investors into women’s football.
- The AIFF will provide subsidies to the clubs, and the amount will depend on the participating clubs, locations, and other factors.
- The IWL prize money will increase for the upcoming season, and a more structured league will lead to more interest from broadcasters.
- The AIFF is also looking at universities to support the women’s game, which is a promising step.
IWL 2023: Clubs Express Concern over Minimum Wage Policy, AIFF Promises Financial Assistance – What it Means for Women’s Football in India?
The IWL will begin on April 26 in Ahmedabad, and eight clubs for the first division of the next season will be chosen by the AIFF using the results of the upcoming season. The league will consist of 10 teams and last for four months. Two more will be added through a qualification procedure, and the following season will see the implementation of promotion and relegation.
IWL 2023: While the decision to guarantee a minimum wage for female footballers in the IWL is a step towards professionalism, there are valid concerns over its financial viability and sustainability. It is up to the AIFF to provide the necessary financial assistance to the clubs and ensure that the league progresses towards a more structured and stable future.
