AIFF planning to conduct I-League Second Division without foreign players

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New Delhi, Oct 1: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) wants to emphasise a drastic change in the second division of I League as the governance body is now planning to conduct the second tier without any involvement of foreign players to give more importance to domestic players.

I-League Second Division will be conducted March to May next year for the 2017-18 season and the Indian FA wants the grassroots league to be well enough capable among the Indian players from where they can make a move to top division ISL or I League clubs later.

AIFF also has proposed that only three Indian players in the squad can be over the age of 23 in the squad as it will give younger players a better chance to showcase their talents.

The governing body, however, is yet to decide the total list of clubs to be included in the upcoming season of second division tournament.

However, it is believed that assessments are already ongoing and local clubs, who have a good background and performed regularly good in the local league could be included in the said competition by October 4. The AIFF is expecting close to 20 teams to be a part of I-League Division Two.

"This year we don't want foreigners in I-League Second Division. The idea is that the clubs spend wisely on Indian players and developing their youth systems," informed an AIFF official.

There were also proposals from some of the ISL clubs that they will send their reserve side for the tournament but the board is yet to name those teams.

However, it is understood that the ISL sides who will send their reserve side to compete in the tournament, wouldn’t be allowed to participate in the final round which will be conducted in a knockout format.