The Indian FA could possibly include a couple of teams to replace Sporting Clube de Goa and Salgaocar FC from the top division…

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the rest of the Indian football fraternity were informed by Sporting Clube de Goa and Salgaocar FC of their decision to not ply their trade in the country’s premier division league in the next edition.

The reason being the AIFF’s decision to make the Indian Super League (ISL) the premier league of the country while the existing I-League clubs wouldn’t be afforded a chance for direct entry but would have to go through a bidding process in November this year.

However, the AIFF expressed surprise at the decision of the above mentioned two clubs and according to sources close to Goal, have assured that the 2016-17 season of the I-League would see light of the day.

Should Dempo SC also plan to follow to suit, the I-League for now would only have six teams, namely Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Bengaluru FC, Shillong Lajong, DSK-Shivajians and Mumbai FC.

The AIFF may replace the above mentioned teams who chose not to be a part of the I-League by roping in new clubs at its own discretion by altering the existing rules if need be.

“Club that withdraws prior to entering into the Competition, or is ineligible or excluded from playing in the Competition, may be replaced by another Club. I-League Committee may at its discretion obtain relevant decision, including a change in the Competition system and Technical Rules for the Competition, if necessary,” reads one of the regulations of the I-League