More than 100 clubs have shown interest to play in the Indian Women’s League, the All India Football Federation’s Executive Committee was informed on Tuesday. The AIFF Executive Committee met president Praful Patel, who will be chairing the meeting, in New Delhi.
“108 clubs across 14 states have shown interest to play in the Indian Women’s League. The aim is to increase the matches,” I-League CEO Sunando Dhar said at the meeting.
“The 2nd Division League will see 20 teams participating. It will kick-off in January, and continue till May with a break in between for the Santosh Trophy,” he added.
Dhar also apprised the committee that as per the ratification of the AFC Executive Committee, the winners of the 2019-20 Indian Super League will get a direct slot into the AFC Champions League 2021, while the 2019-20 I-League champions will get a direct slot to the AFC Cup 2021.
“We still have a lot of work to do and a ground to cover,” Patel said. “The preparation for the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020 is in full swing, and the girls are training under new Head Coach Thomas Dennerby.”
Dhar also said that in coordination with the Sports Ministry, the Khelo India U-17 Girls League is currently on to find talent for the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“We also aim to touch 30000 players across 21 states in the Golden Baby Leagues, and emphasis is being laid on getting girls introduced to the sport,” said Dhar.