Houghton's views ignored, I-League to have 12 teams in 2008-09 season

Much against the wishes of national football coach Bob Houghton, the next edition of the I-League will feature 12 teams.

A two-member committee, which was mandated by the AIFF to decide on the number of teams, today decided to raise the team number from 10 to 12 for the second edition of the tournament.

The committee, comprising S R Dev and Atuo Mezhur, also recommended to increase the number of teams to 14 next season (2009-10), subject to availability of sponsors.

The inaugural I-League (2007-08) had 10 clubs and it was decided that the bottom two teams would be relegated while four top teams from the second division would be promoted.

Houghton, however, had a different view. He wanted a 14-team I-League to give more opportunity to Indian players to showcase their talent at the highest level.

But the committee on Monday made it clear that the coming season's I-League will have 12 teams.

This means Salagaocar and Viva Kerala, who stood 9th and 10th last year will not feature in coming season (2008-09). 

Mumbai FC, Mohammedan Sporting, Chiragh United and Vasco, the top four teams in the second division, will join the eight teams in the second edition of the I-League.

"The I-League 2008-09 shall consist of 12 teams. The I-League 2009-2010 can be increased to 14 teams, subject to sponsoring revenue support is further augmented and AIFF Executive Committee and NFL Committee examine the issue before the start of 2008-09 I-League," the committee said.

Holding that regulations do not provide retaining the demoted teams, the committee said "in case AIFF wants to make 14-team I-League in 2008-09, they should promote fifth sixth placed teams of second division to first division".