Indian National Team Coach Stephen Constantine, Technical Director Scott O'Donnell, 2017 U17 FIFA World Cup Tournament Director, Javier Ceppi, and Project Director of 2017 U17 WC, Joy Bhattacharya were also present at the meeting. Also, representatives of FSDL, Organisers of ISL were among the attendees.
The meeting which was expected to clear some air on the future of I League did not had any discussion on the subject. Though the format of 2nd Division League, which was an open secret, was confirmed. It would be played in Conference System with 11 teams divided in Eastern and Western Conference, with top three teams from each Conference making it to the final round. Both the Rounds will be played on Home and Away basis. Though there was no confirmation on the teams participating and the scheduling of League.
In addition, it was announced that U15 and U18 Leagues will be divided into five zones (Goa, East, Maharashtra, North East and Rest of India) with top two teams from each zone qualifying for the final round.
Also, Bengaluru was awarded the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against Guam on November 12. This would be the third consecutive FIFA Qualifier that Will be played at Sree Kanteerava after Bengaluru hosted Oman and Iran in June and September. Though INDIA lost both their matches, but the crowd support was phenomenal and the attendance was among highest in Asia. The match was slated to be played at the newly constructed Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram but Kerala Football Association's dispute with Stadium owner over rent may have influenced the change of venues.
OTHER DECISIONS TAKEN AT THE MEETING ARE:
- Nagpur to Host final Phase of Santosh Trophy
- Madhya Pradesh FA to host Senior National Women's Championship
- Directive issued to Haryana FA to hold elections and furnish Constitution immediately.
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