All I-League clubs fail to clear Licensing Test

The future seems grimmer for the I-League clubs.

With the All India Football Federation (AIFF) nod to the IPL style IMG-Reliance league the I-League clubs are in knee deep waters.

AIFF’s Club Licensing Committee decided that based on the reports all the fourteen License Applicants failed to clear the Licensing Test.

The Indian Club Licensing System which has been stressed upon by the AIFF has seen all I-League Clubs cooperating in the best possible manner.

AIFF started the process in January 2013 to implement Indian Club Licensing for the first time. This included an inspection of all the clubs in May and June when a five-member team including national coach Wim Koevermans visited the I-League clubs.

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The 14 Clubs are Dempo SC, Pune FC, Salgaocar SC, Churchill Brothers, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Sporting Clube de Goa, Prayag United SC, United Sikkim, Mohammedan Sporting, ,Mumbai FC, Rangdajied FC, Shillong Lajong FC, and Pailan Arrows.  

The decision was based on the various documents at the Committee’s disposal.

However, all the I League clubs have been given a lifeline by the AIFF by allowing them to appeal or seek an exemption for the National License to participate in I League and Federation Cup this Season.

This exemption is mandatory, without which the Clubs will not be allowed to compete in the I- League.

Photograph: AIFF Media