AIFF keen on corporates, new clubs in I-League

Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will open the doors of the I-League and Second Division to corporate teams next season.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is now Indian football’s premier competition, and with Mohun Bagan joining hands with ATK to play in the ISL from next season, the I-League is set to be dealt another blow. Without the all-captivating Kolkata derby, the I-League would have lost its sheen and the AIFF is keen to add a bit of glamour to its own league.

That can happen next season as the I-League Committee which met in the Capital on Tuesday suggested direct entry for corporate teams and, if needed, additional teams to be promoted from the second division.

“We have 11 teams for now. That number can be extended to 12,” said AIFF vice president and I-League Committee chairman Subrata Dutta. Indian Arrows, AIFF’s developmental side, will continue in the league and remain immune to relegation.

One of the club which has shown more than just passing interest in the I-League is Sudeva FC. The Delhi-based club has played in the second division and regularly field teams in age-category tournaments. According to sources, the club has made their interest known, while two other clubs have also made inquiries. Sudeva’s application, though, could only be considered if the existing teams from Delhi – Garhwal FC – fails to make the cut from the second division this season.

“Once the league gets over, we will take a final call. We will take teams, depending on the number of vacancies we have. We have also discussed that we may promote two teams (to the I-League). Instead of just taking corporate teams, we should also encourage teams who have done well in the second division,” said Dutta, adding that all proposals would need approval from their marketing partners.