Bala Devi to Rangers: A look into the historic transfer deal
The HinduNgangom Bala Devi signed an 18-month deal with Scottish club Rangers Women’s FC on Wednesday, making her the first Indian woman footballer to sign a professional contract. Bala’s case was also backed by the Indian football fraternity as All India Football Federation president Praful Patel, Indian women’s team coach Maymol Rocky, former Indian skipper Bembem Devi, former international Bhaichung Bhutia, ex-player and FPAI president Renedy Singh, and national team captain Sunil Chhetri, all wrote recommendation letters for her exemption. pic.twitter.com/RYj7B2nVa2 — Sunil Chhetri January 29, 2020 After going through the case made for Bala’s work permit by Rangers, the AIFF and others, the panel unanimously voted in favour of granting the work permit on the basis of special exemption owing to Bala's 14-year-long Indian football career. This will be an example for everyone.” New journey awaits Bala At Rangers, Bala will play in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 1, which is the premier division for women’s football in Scotland.