AIFF to introduce qualifiers in 2nd division I-League

To widen the football map of the country and to bolster its structure, l-League's core committee has decided to launch the 2nd division qualifier for 2016-17 season.
Participants from all the state associations would be invited to take part in 2nd division league 2016-17 qualifiers.
The state associations need to nominate two teams with best results, apart from the teams who would compete in Hero I-League and 2nd division league in 2015-16 season, from the state league 2015-16, to compete in the 2nd division qualifiers.
Meanwhile, the clubs need to comply with the criteria, mentioned below, to compete in the 2nd division qualifiers.

AFC B License Head Coach
18 contracted players

Legal entity under societies or companies act
The teams will fight it out amongst themselves in the zonal round followed by the final round. Eventually the top two teams from the final round will get a nod to the 2nd division league 2016-17, provided they fulfill the club licensing requirements in the due time.
State associations need to submit their nominations before September 8.