AIFF invites bids for new I-League clubs

New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Thursday invited bids for new clubs to be a part of the I-League.

The winning bidders will be granted the right to own and operate a new club which will compete in I-League from 2013 onwards and have the opportunity to compete in the AFC Club Competitions.

The invitation to tender will be available between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at AIFF Headquarters, Football House, here.

All bidding parties need to fulfill the eligibility criteria (Club Licensing) and other requirements specified.

The last date for submission is May 2, 2013. The bids would then be evaluated by a technical evaluation committee following which the results would be announced within a week from the last date of submission.

"It is AIFF's endeavour to make the I-League strong and robust and for that it is imperative that clubs comply with the Licensing criteria specially with regard to infrastructure and Youth Development," AIFF general secretary Kushal Das stated.

"It is with this objective in mind that we are allowing direct entry into the I-League so that good infrastructure and Youth Development Academies can be established," he added.

"This is in line with what was shared with prospective bidders in the two Open-House meetings which were held in Delhi and Dubai. We are confident of getting a very good response for the above," Sunando Dhar, CEO, I-League maintained.