First, you pay us and then you start the league – PVL CEO Joy Bhattacharjya tells VFI

Prime Volleyball League CEO Joy Bhattacharjya has stated the Volleyball Federation of India should have paid them (Baseline Ventures Ltd) before starting their own league – the Indian Volleyball League.

Baseline Ventures had started Pro Volleyball League in 2019 after signing the 10-year contract with the Volleyball Federation of India.

But the VFI accused Baseline Ventures of high-headedness, unfair commercial practices, unethical practices, non-payment of minimum guarantee fee on time, and actions that were against the terms of the agreement. However, Joy went on to deny those claims.

The matter went to the court and VFI lost as Madras High Court ruled that the termination was not justified. As a result, the court ordered VFI to pay ₹4 crores as compensation and ₹5 lakhs as legal fees to the Baseline Ventures.

However, VFI has announced that it will organize its own league, which will kickstart in June-July.

“See, I have nothing against private leagues. More competition leads to more competence. But there are 2-3 things before that. They (VFI) owe us. We sued them because they canceled our contract. Before you do anything, you pay us. Whether it is you or Discovery (the broadcaster), first you pay us and then you start the league,” Joy Bhattacharjya tells Hindustan Times in an exclusive chat.

“Secondly, last year, the players went to the Asian Championship and the whole team paid from their own pocket, not one of them has been repaid. And thirdly, the ministry doesn’t recognize the federation. So, what piece of paper do they have? The nationals that they have held, do not have certificates for that. Normally, when you win the nationals, you get certificates and you get a promotion on the basis of those. But the certificates are not being recognized. Railways have stated that no certificates from the nationals in volleyball will be considered,” Bhattacharjya says.

Furthermore, VFI conducted the nationals from February 7-13 whereas PVL kickstarted from February 5. VFI also stated that it will not select the Indian players who are taking part in the PVL.

“Players are free to make their own mind. I will never pressure the players (to not play in the IVL). The main reason behind organizing this league is to make sure that players have something. Do you think it is that easy to organize a league?” says the PVL CEO.

“Getting seven franchises; proper, long-time franchises. Then getting sponsors, getting a television channel, and then getting sponsors for the team. It is not easy.

“The other faction of the VFI (that is fighting the court case) is running trials for the national team in February. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is already derecognizing it.

VFI is not recognized. We’re going to fight an open battle and say that if you want your best players at the Asian Games, why are you running the trials in February for an event that is in September? Basically, you are trying to stop these players,” said Bhattacharjya.