India’s all-time highest international goal-scorer and Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri clamored for the ISL table toppers to be given the AFC Cup slot rather than the eventual champions through his official Twitter handle.
Last year, Chhetri’s side Bengaluru FC finished on the top of the table with 40 points from eighteen matches, eight points clear of the second-placed and eventual winners Chennaiyin FC. As a result, they were deprived of representing India at the AFC Asian Cup.
Here is the concerned tweet where Sunil Chhetri can be seen requesting the officials.
Just a thought that I'm throwing out there! pic.twitter.com/8r0SlKdudk
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) November 20, 2018
One ought to note that even if the new rule is implemented, it will be Chennaiyin FC who will be playing at the AFC Cup qualifiers on March 6 against Bhutan’s Transport United or Sri Lanka’s Colombo FC at the AFC Cup South Asian Qualifiers. So, Bengaluru FC’s chances of playing in the continental showpiece next year are anything but nullified.
Most of the fans and pundits across India will agree to Sunil Chhetri’s thoughts. The teams gruel out amongst each other for 18 weeks, but all those efforts go in vain if they lose a single match.
AIFF and ISL are yet to make a statement on this matter, but until it comes Sunil Chhetri and the Blues can focus on the sole task in sight- winning the 2018-19 Hero Indian Super League.
