Harpal Singh Bedi / New Delhi
Over 108 clubs across 14 states have shown interest to play in the Hero Indian Women’s League. The aim is to increase the matches, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF)
At a AIFF executive committee meeting chaired by president Praful Patel , CEO, I-League Sunando Dhar, further said that “The 2nd Division League will see 20 teams participating. It will kick-off in January, and continue till May with a break in between for the Hero Santosh Trophy,”
“Furthermore, in coordination with the Ministry for Sports and Youth Affairs, the Khelo India U-17 Girls League is currently on at the moment, all as part of our effort to find talented players for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020. We also aim to touch 30000 players across 21 states in the Golden Baby Leagues, and emphasis is being laid on getting girls introduced to the sport.” he added
He further apprised the Committee that as per ratification of the AFC Executive Committee, the League winners of the 2019-20 Hero Indian Super League will get a direct slot into the AFC Champions League 2021, while the 2019-20 Hero I-League champions will get a direct slot to the AFC Cup 2021.
In his opening address Mr Patel said . “The preparation for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020 is in full swing, and the girls are training under new Head Coach Thomas Dennerby.” adding ““We still have a lot of work to do and a ground to cover”
Mr. Martin Bain, CEO FSDL, and Mr. Chirag Tanna representing FSDL attended the meeting as invitees; while AIFF Technical Director Mr. Isac Doru was also present
The Committee maintained a minute’s silence for the sad demise of Mr. Amarendra Sharan, and Mr. Anjan Mitra.
Meanwhile, the Committee congratulated the Indian Senior Women’s Team for winning the Gold medal in the SAG Games in Nepal, and Gurpreet Sandhu for winning the Arjuna Award, drawing a spontaneous applause from all members.
The Committee unanimously decided to launch the Futsal Club Championship from the 2020 season.
The Committee also decided to launch a AIFF Football Masters Course from mid 2020, procedure for admissions for the initial batch would be advertised soon.
Moreover, the Committee decided that as AFC levies for International matches/competitions are no longer payable, and with a substantial reduction in feed to be paid to FIFA (has been reduced to CHF 500 per match), the fees to a State Association hosting an International match has been reduced to Rs. 1,15,000 per International match.