NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday invited bids for new clubs from non-Hero I-League cities interested in joining the Hero I-League from the 2020-21 season onwards.
The bids have been invited from prospective team owners from New Delhi, Ranchi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Lucknow and Ahmedabad, amongst others.
As per the invitation to tender, the entity that wins the bid will be granted the right to own and operate a new football club from 2020 onwards. The aforementioned club will have the opportunity (if applicable, and subject to qualification) to also compete in the AFC club competitions.
The invitation to tender can be acquired from Football House in the capital between June 10 and June 20, 2020 upon payment of Rs 400,000 (non-refundable and non-adjustable) by demand draft, pay order (both payable at New Delhi) favouring All India Football Federation, or by NEFT/RTGS. Bank details will be provided upon request.
The previous season of the I-League saw 11 clubs, including AIFF’s developmental outfit Indian Arrows, take part in the competition.
However, the recent buyout of I-League champions Mohun Bagan by the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, which also owns Indian Super League franchise ATK (the two entities are currently in the process of being merged), means the Kolkata giants will play in the ISL next season.
