New Delhi: The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Club Licencing Committee convened a meeting on Saturday at the Football House in New Delhi to discuss various issues related to club licencing for the upcoming domestic season. One of the key matters discussed was the exemption requests submitted by several Premier 1 and Premier 2 clubs, seeking relief from certain criteria for licensing.
Chaired by Dr. Girja Mungali, the committee examined the requests for exemption and discussed the implications of granting such exemptions. The committee, which operates independently to ensure the best interests of the game, plays a vital role in improving the structure of club football in India. The licencing process aims to enhance the overall value of competitions, including the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League, as well as strengthen the clubs operating in the Indian football ecosystem.
During the meeting, exemption requests were considered from three Premier 1 clubs: Hyderabad FC, North East United FC, and East Bengal FC. Additionally, seven Premier 2 clubs presented their exemption requests: Sreenidi Deccan FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Mohammedan SC, Real Kashmir FC, Rajasthan United FC, Churchill Brothers FC, and Aizawl FC. The committee also discussed the sanctions to be imposed on clubs that had been granted licences but failed to meet the B criteria.
Following thorough deliberations, the committee granted exemptions to nine out of the ten applicants, with Rajasthan United FC being the exception. The club’s failure to provide information about their home stadium during the licencing process led to their exemption request being put on hold. The committee has requested that Rajasthan United FC submit documentation regarding their proposed stadium, after which a final decision will be made regarding their exemption.
In addition to the exemptions, the committee imposed various financial sanctions on the clubs that sought relief from certain criteria. These sanctions aim to ensure compliance with licencing requirements and maintain the integrity of the licencing process.
The meeting was attended by AIFF Secretary General Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, along with committee members Shekhar Nagar, Jayaraman Ravishankar, and Madhu Kumari. Their presence highlights the commitment of the AIFF and its licencing committee to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in Indian club football.
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