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Two of Indian football’s traditional outfits, Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa, on Friday decided to “withdraw” from the forthcoming season of I-League over the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) decision to restructure the domestic league system.
The AIFF, which on May 17 met various stakeholders, including its marketing partners IMG-Reliance, virtually recognised ISL as the country’s premier league as per its draft plan, while deciding to form a three-tier football system in India from 2017-18.
As per the draft, the Indian Super League (ISL) will form the top tier of competition without the provision for relegation; the I-League and its lower division will become the second and third divisions, with relegation and promotion only taking place between these two tiers of competition.
The decision to withdraw was made public in a joint statement issued by the two Goa-based clubs. It said:
The exit of Salgaocar and Sporting Clube de Goa will come as a blow to AIFF who has also faced opposition to its proposed plans from legacy clubs such as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
Detailing the sequence of events from the May 17 meeting, the two Goan heavyweights called AIFF’s proposals ‘shocking’ and ‘disheartening’.
It also said:
The statement further said:
(With inputs from PTI.)
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