By Mark Baber
May 22- The All India Football Federation’s Club Licensing Committee First Instance Body announced Wednesday that only 9 out of 14 applicants met the required administrative, sporting, infrastructure and financial criteria to play in the I-League, though newly promoted Royal Wahingdoh have been given a one-time exemption.
Bengaluru FC, Dempo SC, Pune FC, Salgaocar SC, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Sporting Clube de Goa, Mumbai FC, and Shillong Lajong FC successfully fulfilled the criteria, whilst United SC, Churchill Brothers, Mohammedan Sporting and Rangdajied United did not – meaning that, subject to appeal, they will miss out on the 2014/15 season starting in December.
Committee Chairman Dr. Girija Mungali said: “The nine clubs who have granted the License have come a long way since last year when only Pune FC passed. They have all passed with flying colours and it is a heartening sign for Indian Football. Clubs becoming professional is the best thing that can happen.”
Last season the clubs were given one-season exemptions.
“They have taken licensing very seriously and credit goes to AIFF. The Governing Body has played its role to perfection sensitizing the issues very diligently,” the Chairman added.
The decision comes as a particular shock to Churchill Brothers who are preparing an appeal which they have just seven working days from today to prepare.
For Churchill Brothers, Joaquim Alemao, former vice-president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), told local media: “We have minor issues to settle. We will put everything in order at the earliest. I am confident that the AIFF will pave the way for our participation in the I-League next season once the appeal is heard.”
The AIFF clearly regards the licensing process as essential in increasing the professionalism of Indian football, Whether the strategy of relegating major I-League clubs, whilst selling franchises for new clubs and setting up the Indian Super League is a brave or foolhardy one remains to be seen.