Air India and ONGC could be out of the next edition of I-League

After diminishing all the rumours and possibilities, the governing body of Indian Football, All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed it yesterday by not inviting Air India and ONGC in an important seminar, that they will not be a part of the next edition of the I-league. This means that two new teams will get the permission to take part in the I-league and they will play for at least three consecutive years irrespective of their position in the league table.

Yesterday, AIFF called an important club licensing seminar in Goa, particularly for the clubs situated in the western region, notably Mumbai and Goa. But these two teams were not invited in that seminar. Meanwhile, both the teams have failed to meet the strict club licensing criteria. Both government entities have ticked a majority of the criteria box, but the all important one of registering the team as a separate entity has not been fulfilled.

“The Clubs needed some clarifications so we decided a workshop would be the best option. There will be discussions on the timeline & how soon we can complete the formalities”, said I-League CEO Sunando Dhar.

Air India has managed to gather 18 points from 17 matches and ONGC is now in the 7^th position in the league table with 24 points from 19 matches. Though ONGC are in a comfortable position, Air India might face relegation at the end of this season, as Mohun Bagan is trying to bounce back from the last position in the table to a position where they will be safe from relegation. Now it is a bit confusing for the fans to know how many teams will play in the next season.