The state associations have been asked to send in their nominations of the interested clubs along with the required documents for licensing latest by July 25.
The 2nd division league will start from the middle of November this year.
There is a cap of maximum of three teams from any particular city in the I-League and the 2nd division league put together with the exception of Goa and Kolkata, where the maximum cap is five teams for both I-League and the 2nd division put together.
Sporting merit will be a critical aspect in the selection of clubs for the 2nd division league. The teams that qualify will be chosen on their performance in the last played top-most local leagues/tournament.
It has also been announced that the U-19 I-League will begin in September this year.
It is mandatory for all the 2nd division league clubs to field a team in the U19 I-League tournament. This will be held in two phases -- phase 1 will be zonal competition and the top teams will be competing in the final round.
The winning team from the 2nd division will get promoted to the I-League, subject to acquiring the license for competing in the I-League under the Indian Club Licensing regulations.
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