Panaji: Diamond Harbour FC have sought additional time from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to clear the final payment and confirm participation in the Indian Super League (ISL).The AIFF had set Aug 14 deadline for all clubs to pay Rs 1.1 crore, in two instalments of Rs 55 lakh each. While clubs have now cleared the payment, Diamond Harbour have sought a “further extension of the payment timeline.”The Kolkata-based club earned promotion to the top tier ISL after winning the Indian Football League (IFL). Since then though, Diamond Harbour are under investigation by the West Bengal govt for illegal practices, including source of funds. The club’s backers have also felt the heat in West Bengal after TMC lost state assembly elections in May.“The club is presently in the process of finalising the necessary financial arrangements, and we are making every effort to close the outstanding amount at the earliest,” Diamond Harbour wrote in a recent email to AIFF. “We remain fully committed to complying with our financial obligations towards AIFF.“In view of the above, we humbly request AIFF to kindly consider granting Diamond Harbour Football Club a reasonable further extension to make the payment. We assure you that we are actively working towards completing the process and shall keep AIFF duly informed of the progress.”According to sources, AIFF is unlikely to wait beyond a couple of days for Diamond Harbour to clear the payment. The club’s first instalment was adjusted with the IFL prize money that was due to them.The last three second tier league champions – Punjab FC, Mohammedan Sporting and Inter Kashi – have all played in the top flight after promotion from I-League, which is now rebranded as the IFL.Depending on Diamond Harbour’s response, AIFF will request the ISL governing council to take a decision on the club’s participation in the top tier league. For the first time, the ISL will have a club-run model with clubs collectively operating the league through a special purpose vehicle (SPV).