The Yuva Sena chief had shown interest in contesting for the post of president of the Mumbai District Football Association, but his lack of experience means he may be nominated as chairman of the body
It seems that Aaditya Thackeray’s shot at being the chief of the city’s football administration has missed its target. MiD DAY had recently reported about how Thackeray had wanted to contest the presidential elections of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA). But he will have to compromise and play second fiddle as the chairman of the organisation, as the post of president, the highest in the association, cannot go to a newcomer or an inexperienced individual.
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All panels that will contest the elections scheduled on November 16 have agreed that after the formal elections, the executive committee will nominate Aaditya as the chairman and not the president. Uday Konar, one of the panelists who met Aaditya Thackeray last week, had offered him to contest for the post of Chairman from his panel. But Thackeray hadn’t responded to the offer. Vijay Kamble has been nominated for the post of President from Konar’s panel. Kamble is the vice-president of the state unit of the Nationalist Congress Party.
It is to be noted that as far as football experience (both on-field and administration) is concerned, Kamble and Thackeray are on the same level. Both are equally inexperienced. “Our candidate for the post of president is Vijay Kamble. The committee will decide as to who will be the chairman. It’s a combined decision and not an individual one,” said Konar.
However, Digambar Kandarkar, current president of the MDFA, said, “If Kamble being a politician can contest the election, why not Aaditya Thackeray? His participation will surely benefit the game.” MDFA, a 33-year-old body, is responsible for football in and around the city. The election will be held on November 16, with about 350 members affiliated to the MDFA who will vote. Thackeray was not available for the comment.