AIFF invites new I-League team bids after Sporting pulls out

The decision for a fresh round of tendering was taken after the AIFF’s bid evaluation committee comprising general secretary Kushal Das, senior vice-president Subrata Dutt, and I-League Chief Executive Officer Sunando Dhar discussed the three bids received.

“It’s truly heartening to see these three clubs, that too from different states across the nation, showing their enthusiasm to play in the Hero I-League. This actually highlights that we’re heading towards a bright future of Indian football, involving every nook and corner of the country,” Das told PTI news agency.

The I-League is undergoing a turbulent phase with Salgaocar ineligible to participate and Dempo, promotion to top tier after winning the second division this year, contemplating pulling out.

On Tuesday, Sporting Clube de Goa announced their withdrawal, stating: “Following strong objections to the Road Map for Indian Football as proposed by AIFF and their marketing partners on 17th May, 2016, Sporting Clube de Goa along with fellow goan Club Salgoacar F.C, after several rounds of deliberations, had taken the painful decision to withdraw from the forthcoming edition of the I League.”

Das has lamented Sporting’s decision. “Sporting Clube de Goa has contributed significantly to Indian Football since its inception. It’s really sad to see it withdraw from Hero I-League now,” he said.