By I-League Media

NEW DELHI: To widen the football map of the country and to bolster the football structure, l-League Core Committee decide to launch the 2^nd division qualifier for 2016-17 season. Participants from all the state associations would be invited to take part in 2^nd division league 2016-17 qualifiers.

The state associations need to nominate 2 (two) teams with best results, apart from the teams who would compete in Hero I-League and 2^nd division league in 2015-16 season, from the state league 2015-16, to compete in the 2^nd division qualifiers. Meanwhile, the clubs need to comply with the criteria, mentioned below, to compete in the 2^nd division qualifiers:

1. AFC ‘B’ License Head Coach
2. 18 contracted players
3. Legal entity under societies or companies act

The teams will fight it out amongst themselves in the zonal round followed by the final round.  Eventually top two teams from the final round will get a nod to the 2^nd division league 2016-17, provided that they fulfill the club licensing requirements in the due time. State associations need to submit their nominations before September 8, 2015.