AIFF gives all clear for Sept 30 launch of Pro League

New Delhi, July 20 (UNI) All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee today gave the green signal to launch Professional League in the country on September 30.

In its meeting here chaired by AIFF president Priyaranjan Dasmunsi, the Committee asked the federation Secretary General to prepare a schedule of the pro league and circulate the same to the clubs by August 10.

It was decided that the AIFF should enter an agreement with state associations and stadium authorities concerned regarding availability of venues for the matches.

AIFF also approved the format of the Second Division Professional League and approved direct entry of corporate clubs provided they are first affiliated to respective state associations and meet the club licensing criteria.

The two clubs demoted from last year's First Division NFL and the four clubs that stood third to sixth in the final phase of Second Division NFL in the last season will be admitted directly into this year's Second Division.

Last year's Second Division NFL top two teams -- Salgaocar and Viva Kerala -- will feature in First Division Professional League.

The Executive Committee also asked the AIFF Secretary General to talk state governments of Assam, Punjab, Orissa and Kerala to decide on the venue of next Federation Cup.

Meanwhile, the Sub Junior National Football Championship has been allotted to Uttarakhand to be held from September 15 to October 15 while Bengal will host the Women's Senior National Football Championship.

UNI