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New Delhi: All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) plan to induct corporate-backed teams in the I-League was discussed in an open house with several industrial houses, in the capital, on Tuesday.
The representatives of some top companies like Venky’s, JSW, GMR, Sahara, Hero Motors and DSK Shivajians attended the meeting, and AIFF president Praful Patel briefed them about federation’s plan and programme of the I-League.
Some companies and sports management groups from Calcutta, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Kerala were also present.
Making it clear that the new teams would be expected to invest more on infrastructure, the federation boss said at least 25 per cent of the team’s annual budget should be spent on development.
While the corporate houses would be specifically told to look for raising teams beyond Calcutta and Goa, the new outfits would not be relegated for at least two years.
AIFF is currently looking to have two or three corporate backed teams and could raise the number of I-League clubs to 16 instead of the current 14-team affair.
The bidding for the teams will take place from March 30 to May 10.
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