There was a time when Kerala was a big catchment area for football clubs across India. With bagfuls of money, players were recruited and huge promises were made. But, with time, things have changed for Kerala football. In a state which has produced players such as IM Vijayan, Jo Paul Ancheri, V. Pappachan and VP Sathyan, the lustre seems to have worn out.

Kerala were ousted in the quarter-final league of the 62nd Santosh Trophy in Srinagar. With no star players, they hardly stood a chance in the first place. There is no professional club in Kerala at the moment and Kerala Police, which once challenged the might of the more illustrious Bengal and Goa sides, does not have a team any more.

“Kerala Police not having a team has affected the game in the state. For some reason, the police bosses thought it wasn’t a worthwhile investment amd there is no money in the state for football now,” KP Sunny, of the secretary Kerala Football Association, told The Indian Express.

“We had FC Kochin but they also closed down. There is only SBT which has a good team but the conditions are bad. There is no vacancy and they haven’t recruited anyone for a long time. No sponsors, no television. Even in Kerala, cricket has become the big thing now.” Sreesanth’s rapid rise to fame has also contributed invariably to the decline. And while football still remains the number one mass sport, today, the state has no representation in the national I-League.

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