AIFF receives three new bids for direct I-League 2017/18 spots

After extending the deadline to submit the bids to September 8th, the AIFF have received three bids for a spot in the I-League....

The All Football Federation (AIFF) has received three new bids from interested parties for a direct entry into the 2017/18 .

Bengaluru-based Ozone FC, Gokulam FC (based in Manjeri) and a Rajasthan-based group have submitted the bids for a spot in the league. The Indian FA had extended the deadline to table the bids to September 8 last week and are now left with three bids to evaluate.

It is to be noted that the AIFF had rejected the initital bids from Gokulam FC, Ozone FC and another Rajasthan-based group early last month because of incomplete and unsatisfactory bids. The governing body went on to invite bids again and Gokulam FC and Ozone FC have re-submitted their bids while the third bid was submitted by another Rajasthan-based group.

After the exit of and the shutdown of DSK Shivajians, the I-League has eight teams and the AIFF had earlier decided to re-instate their Arrows Project which will see a team comprising of the youngsters participating at the highest level. The Indian FA are expected to select only one side from these three bids which they have received on Friday.

AIFF's Bid Evaluation Committee is now set to meet on 15th September in New Delhi to take stock of the three bids and select the bid(s) worthy of a direct entry into the I-League.