I-League 2023-24: 5 bids for corporate entry submitted

THE AIFF HAS RECEIVED 5 bids for the sole corporate entry team spot in I-League 2023-24.

The league already has 11 clubs listed to participate, and a Federation decided to include a 12th team via the bidding route.

According to prominent journalist Marcus Mergulhao, there have been 5 interested parties who have thrown their hat in the ring to play in the second tier football league of India. The bids are from Kolkata, Punjab, Delhi, Bengaluru and Gurgaon.

The bidders from Gurgaon are Bunkerhill Sports, who were the investors of Mohammedan Sporting in the past.

The AIFF has received five bids for direct entry into the I-League. The bids are from Kolkata, Punjab, Delhi, Bengaluru and Gurgaon. Bunkerhill, who invested in Mohammedan Sporting, have bid from Gurgaon. #IndianFootball

— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) June 13, 2023

Previous instances of corporate clubs emerging from the I-League include the likes of Bengaluru FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Sreenidi Deccan FC and Punjab FC.

With the I-League champions now being offered a direct entry to the Indian Super League, interest in participation has gone up considerably.

The I-League corporate entry system differs from the ISL franchise system in some major ways. Firstly, it does not charge any franchise fee, putting more emphasis on bank guarantee. It also does not provide a long term safeguard from relegation, which teams getting a maximum of one season's immunity.

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