AIFF invites bids for I-League entry

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation has issued a tender notice inviting bids for new clubs to enter the I-League. 

The AIFF is inviting bids from "prospective team owners" in "Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ranchi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Malapurram and Trivandrum, among others".

The AIFF is trying to get new clubs into the I-League so as to make up for the impending departure of Bengaluru FC to the Indian Super League, as well as the expected pull out by DSK Shivajians from what is now clearly the second tier of club football in India in all but name. 

As earlier reported, the AIFF has already cleared a bid to form and enter a club based our of Kerala’s state capital Thiruvananthapuram from the Singapore-based MySports Management. 

Under the invitation to tender, the winning bidders will be granted the right to own and operate a new club which will compete in I-League in each year from 2017 onwards and will have the opportunity (if applicable and subject to qualification) to compete in the AFC (Asian Football Confederation’s) club competitions.

“We are looking forward to welcoming vibrant outfits in Hero I-League. The new entrants will surely bring newer challenges and fresh football dynamics which would provide more competitiveness and thrill to the league”, said I-League CEO Sunando Dhar.