MP United to Participate I-League Second Division

The I-League could receive another venue in its pan India approach as The All India Football Federation(AIFF) has confirmed the participation of Madyapradhesh United Football Club (MP United FC) in the upcoming I-League Second Division Championship which is supposed to be held in Silchar and Aizawl in December.

"After having successfully organised the I-League Second Division tournament in Indore and Singrauli this year, we thought Madhya Pradhesh should also have its representation in the tournament," MP United Club secretary Ravindra Parsai told the media.

While it is confirmed that the preliminary round of I-League second division will be held in December, an inspection team from the AIFF had a visit the club's facilities before the approval  granted.

Parsai confirmed that a host of Indian and international players have been invited to play for the club.

Madhya Pradhesh Association's secretary Amit Dev commented on MP United Club's endeavours as a step towards converting amateurs into professionals. "In the I-league Second Division, around 20 teams from across the country will be participating. This is a step toward converting the amateur players into professional ones," he said.

MP United Club have recently emerged as state champions in a tournament held in Satna, Madhya Pradesh.

Teams confirmed to play in second division : Bhowanipore, Kalighat, Royal Wahingdoh, Green Valley, Eagles, Hindustan FC, MP United, Aizwal FC, Kenkre FC, PIFA Colaba.

Meanwhile, The Executive Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated that the fate of Mumbai Tigers playing in I-League division two would depend on whether they can clarify their stance on the complaints lodged by their players of not being paid for the last few months.  

“Some players have written to the general secretary (Kushal Das) of the AIFF that they haven’t got salaries for the last three-to-four months. We have to send them the papers. If all the payments are up to date or if they clear it in the next ten days, then they can play in the second division. So principally they are okay to play in the second division,” informed Sunando Dhar, CEO of the I-League.

Mumbai Tigers had earlier bid for an automatic spot into the I-League and had successfully grabbed it along with JSW. However following the announcement of the league fixtures, the club decided to pull out stating that they needed more time to prepare for the top division. 

Ten teams, sans Mumbai Tigers, have been selected to play in the division two this term with United Sikkim to join the lot in the final round.

“For now ten teams have been selected for the second division. We have no team from Goa as only Vasco had applied and on performance criterion, they got rejected as they finished last in the Goa League. Around 24 teams had applied to play but when we asked for details and sent out our terms and conditions, most backed out,” Dhar explained.

Teams confirmed to play in second division : Bhowanipore, Kalighat, Royal Wahingdoh, Green Valley, Eagles, Hindustan FC, MP United, Aizwal FC, Kenkre FC, PIFA Colaba.

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