AIFF grants second division clubs a longer window to fulfil AFC criteria

SECOND DIVISION clubs will now have a full year rather than just 3 months to fulfil the AFC licensing criteria and gain eligibility to play in the I-League. The AIFF took this decision in its executive committee meeting held today.

Taken at a critical juncture just before the merger of ISL and I-League, this decision seeks to address the expanded and crucial roles lower division clubs will play in the new league structure. League One and League Two, the new second and third tier leagues that will replace I-League and the 2nd Division League, is likely to see a more professional approach in its management and operations and if the clubs step up, can become the expansion point that draws in newer clubs from around the country.

This decision may also serve to smoothen the road for two second division clubs that are rumoured to be promoted to the I-League come January. Since Sporting Clube de Goa and Salgaocar FC have quit the top division, and Dempo may follow their exit route, AIFF need new clubs to make up the numbers. While Ozone FC may come in as a new corporate club, recently relegated and Federation Cup finalists Aizawl FC can end up making a return to the I-League, along with Punjab-based club Minerva AFC who came second in the 2nd Division League last season. Having a longer window to fultil the AFC criteria can help prepare these clubs to make a jump to the I-League on short notice.