AIFF discusses inclusion of corporate teams in I-League

A final decision on the matter is likely to be taken following the end of the ongoing season.

Mr. Subrata Dutta, Senior Vice President, All India Football Federation and Chairman, League Committee chaired the AIFF League Committee Meeting at the AIFF Football House in New Delhi on Tuesday. For the upcoming season of the Hero I-League, the possibility of including corporate teams through a bidding process was discussed by the AIFF Committee. League Committee Deputy Chairman Mr Lalnghinglova Hmar and members Mr. Souter Vaz, Mr. BK Roka, and Mr. Chirag Tanna were present during the meeting. Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF, Mr. Sunando Dhar, CEO, Leagues, and Ms. Swati Kothari, GM (S&O) & International Relations, AIFF, were also present. Ms. Priti Srivastava from FSDL was present as an Observer. Mr. Abhishek Yadav, Director, National Teams was present as an invitee. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] It was also discussed to include corporate teams through a bidding process in the Hero 2nd Division League. A proposal to promote two teams from the 2nd Division to the Hero I-League was also discussed. However, it was decided that a decision regarding the same shall be taken at the end of the season, keeping in view the requirements of teams in the Hero I-League at the time. The AIFF committee agreed to analyze the individual needs of the state leagues, Hero I-League, Hero ISL, Durand Cup, Hero Super Cup and IFA Shield, and accordingly prepare the season’s football calendar and adjust the transfer window for players, if required. The broadcast of the Hero I-League was discussed in the meeting conducted by AIFF, which has seen an improvement in production quality. The possibility of broadcasting more matches in the youth and 2nd Division Leagues was also discussed. Mohammedan Sporting's matches in the Hero 2nd Division League will be broadcast on Kolkata TV. This arrangement is, however, been made by the club with permission from FSDL. Other teams in the competition are welcome to do the same as well and can seek permission. The maximum number of players that can be registered by a club in the Hero I-League will be reduced from 35 to 30, which includes having a minimum of five U-22 players. From the next season of the Hero Elite League, registration of foreign nationals based in India will be allowed, keeping it in line with the Hero Junior and Sub Junior Leagues. Both, however, are subject to ratification from the AIFF Executive Committee. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] The committee was apprised of the ongoings in the national level leagues - the Hero I-League, Hero 2nd Division League, Hero Elite League, Hero Junior League and Hero Sub Junior League. A brief report was presented on the development of the Hero Indian Women's League, Khelo India Girls Football League (U17) and Golden Baby Leagues. A proposal from the Chairman to start a 2nd Division IWL was also discussed. It was decided that the League department shall make a plan regarding the restructuring of the women’s leagues.