NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) indicated Tuesday that for the upcoming season of the Hero I-League, it was considering including corporate teams through a bidding process.
The AIFF League Committee also discussed including corporate teams through a bidding process in the Hero 2nd Division League as well.
The committee also decided that the number of registered players in a team would be brought down from 35 to 30.
A proposal to promote two teams from the 2nd Division to the 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 I-League at the time.
The committee agreed to analyze the individual needs of the state leagues, I-League, 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 I-League was discussed, 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 2nd Division League will be broadcast on Kolkata TV. This arrangement has, however, been made by the club with permission from AIFF’s commercial partner FSDL. Other teams in the competition are welcome to do the same as well and can seek permission, the committee noted.
The committe further decided that while the maximum number of players that can be registered by a club in the I-League will be 30, it would include having a minimum of five U-22 players. Additionally, from the next season of the Elite League, registration of foreign nationals based in India will be allowed, keeping it in line with the Junior and Sub Junior Leagues. Both, however, are subject to ratification from the AIFF executive committee.
The committee was apprised of the ongoings in the national level leagues – the I-League, 2nd Division League, Elite League, Junior League and Sub Junior League.
A brief report was presented on the development of the 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.
