In a bid to revitalize the amateur football structure in India and boost the prospects of the country’s footballers, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to launch the inaugural Institutional League. This groundbreaking initiative aims to create employment opportunities for Indian footballers and enhance the competitive landscape of the sport. The league, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in January 2024, has garnered significant attention from various public sector undertakings (PSUs) and institutions across the nation.
The brainchild of the AIFF, the Institutional League has the potential to add a new layer of excitement to Indian football. The league’s conception comes in the wake of the organization’s efforts to rejuvenate the amateur football ecosystem in the country. With the ambition of providing a platform for local talent and fostering healthy competition, the AIFF aims to make this league a stepping stone for players aspiring to reach higher levels in their football careers.
Chaired by the federation’s deputy general secretary, Satyanarayan M, a recent meeting brought together representatives from twenty-five PSU teams. The primary objective of this meeting was to ideate and strategize about the impending competition. As preparations continue, the AIFF is expected to release bid documents next week, marking a significant step towards the league’s realization. These documents will outline the criteria for participation and the evaluation process for interested institutions.
Eligibility for participation spans a diverse range of entities, including Private Corporations, Ministerial Units, Public Sector Units, Police/Defence/Paramilitary Forces (Unit-Level), State Departments, and Railways (Division-level). Institutions willing to submit bids will be evaluated on various technical grounds, including their legacy in Indian football. Teams that can demonstrate a substantial contribution to the sport will benefit from a 50 percent concession on the annual base participation fee, which is set at Rs 10 lakh.
The AIFF is keen to ensure that the Institutional League complements the existing national football structure. The league is anticipated to add value to the intra-state Santosh Trophy, which acts as a pipeline for local clubs. By creating a platform that bridges the gap between grassroots football and more competitive tournaments, the AIFF envisions a holistic development pathway for aspiring footballers.
The format of the Institutional League is expected to be finalized based on the number of teams that express interest. The AIFF is open to the possibility of conducting the league in multiple divisions, which could introduce a promotion-relegation system that enhances the competitive spirit among teams. This approach not only stimulates competition but also ensures that teams at various levels have an opportunity to thrive and progress.
One of the most enticing incentives for participating teams is the direct entry to the 2024 Federation Cup for the top two teams of the Institutional League. This reintroduction of the Federation Cup promises to create a sense of aspiration and recognition for teams that excel in the league. Furthermore, this move is likely to infuse new energy into the sport by reviving an esteemed tournament.
The AIFF’s proactive approach towards enhancing Indian football is commendable. By creating opportunities for employment and growth in the sport, the Institutional League is poised to reshape the landscape of Indian football. The involvement of diverse entities from public sector undertakings showcases the widespread enthusiasm for football in the country.
As the bidding process kicks off and anticipation builds, it is evident that the AIFF’s Institutional League holds the potential to become a game-changer. By connecting various sectors of society to football, the league is not just about competition but also about fostering a sense of unity and shared passion. As the journey towards the league’s launch continues, football enthusiasts and players alike eagerly await a new era in Indian football – one that promises to inspire, unite, and create a vibrant platform for talent to shine.
