As part of its initiative to rope in corporates to professionalise the football set-up in the country, All India Football Federation has approved direct entries for corporate clubs into the second division Professional League.

While deciding on the format of the Professional League, AIFF at its executive committee meeting here on Friday, “approved direct entry of corporate clubs provided they are first affiliated to respective State associations and meet the club-licensing criteria.”

“Other clubs who apply for entry in the Second Division will also have to meet these criteria,” AIFF said.
It means that Essel Group backed Mumbai Football Club and New Delhi Heroes, which was taken over by art auction house Osian’s, can play in the second division league this year.

“The two clubs demoted from the 11th NFL first division held last year and the four clubs that stood third to sixth in the final phase of the second division in the last season will be admitted directly into the Second Division Professional League,” the release added.

India’s first Professional League will kick off from September 30, it was approved in the meeting.