I-League: Second division to be conducted in two phases

The second division of I-League is set to be played out in two phases, as decided by All India Football Federation (AIFF) league committee in a meeting convened in New Delhi on Monday

The second division league will have a preliminary and a final phase. In the preliminary stage, 18 teams will be divided into three groups where each team will play home and away fixtures.

The winners of each group and the best second-placed team would qualify for the final phase. However, if reserve teams of ISL clubs finish as winners or runners-up in any group, the next non-ISL team will be rewarded with progression.

The final phase will be played at a central venue and the winners will gain promotion to the I-League.

Each club can register a maximum of three foreign players for the 2nd division league out of which one player has to be from an AFC member nation.

The AIFF has also decided to initiate age-group leagues in the states under the State Associations. The top teams of each age-group will be able to participate in AIFF age-group leagues.