Days after I-League champions Aizawl FC threatened to go on a fast unto death if they were excluded from next season’s unified new league, All India Football Federation president Praful Patel responded by saying that threats would not carry much weight in the sporting federation.

Aizawl, who were crowned I-League champions following a fairytale campaign that culminated with them clinching the title on the final day of the season. The celebrations though were clouded by speculation over their participation in the proposed unified league following the I-League’s merger with the Indian Super League.

According to the proposal, Three clubs - East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC are likely to be included into the a league along with all eight franchises of the ISL, subject to a franchise fee.

Aizawl president Robert Royte had threatened to protest by fasting unto death if the champions were excluded from the league. In a letter written to the AIFF, Aizawl said they would approach Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel, Prime Minister Narender Modi as well as Asian Football Confederation president Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa.

Goel on Friday said he will speak to the All India Football Federation on the issue of Aizawl’s participation.

“As far as the controversy between Aizawl FC and Indian Super League is concerned, I’m going to talk to the AIFF. Definitely I would like to take their case up at AIFF,” Goel said.