NEW DELHI: Football Delhi has announced plans to launch an annual tournament from 2021, which the national capital’s football governing body envisions will have I-League and Indian Super League clubs participating.
Football Delhi will take the request regarding the Capital Cup to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to look for an appropriate window to hold the tournament in Delhi.
According to the basic format of the Cup, which was approved at the executive committee meeting of the association, held here Thursday, a minimum four ISL or I-League clubs will be invited for the 8-team league-cum-knockout competition. In order to promote local clubs, four clubs from Delhi will participate in the tournament.
The association will also discuss the launch of Capital Cup with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India and state government as they look to make it a regular feature in Delhi.
Shaji Prabhakaran, president, Football Delhi, said: “Through Capital Cup we would like to energise the local football and connect football fans with an inspiring football tournament, where best clubs and players would be seen in action. It is our attempt to add another initiative to make Capital City a vibrant football city.
“Delhi’s Dr Ambedkar Stadium is one Stadium which has seen all the greats in action and the strong legacy of this stadium and city have to be revived with the Capital Cup.”
The executive committee also decided to approve the launch of a Digital Hub to connect and engage with the football community and stakeholders in the city.
Digital Hub will comprise different digital platforms, live TV, digital campaign, e-sports, e-learning, web series, among others. It will be launched in partnership with a corporate house.
