All India Football Federation Brings Back Federation Cup

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday decided to bring back Federation Cup in the calendar next year, saying the top-eight I-League teams would compete in the tournament. (I-League, Indian Super League May be Merged: AIFF)

The AIFF had scrapped the tournament from its calendar during the current season as it felt that the event had lost its sheen due to the coexistence of I-League and the Indian Super League (ISL).

The decision to bring back the tournament was taken at the AIFF executive committee meeting on Friday, which was chaired by AIFF chief Praful Patel, attended by General Secretary Kushal Das, vice presidents Subrata Dutta and Subhash Chopra among others.

"The committee, as per the suggestions given by the I-league Committee and after consultation with All India Football Confederation (AFC), decided to hold the Federation Cup on a 'Home and Away' basis for the season 2015/16. The top eight teams as per the standings after the completion of the I-League would be participating in the Federation Cup," the AIFF said in a statement

AIFF technical director Scott O'Donnell and India U-17 national coach Nicolai Adam were also present along with Bhaichung Bhutia (advisor), Abhishek Yadav (director scouting).

Meanwhile, Patel also spoke about the significance of the two back to back mega AFC events which are being held in India.

"It's an honour for us that AFC have chosen India to host the AFC Annual Awards and the 5th AFC Medical Conference," he stated.

The AFC Annual Awards are slated to be held on November 29 while the AFC Medical Conference will be held from November 30 to December 2.

There was also a discussion on the future plan of the Indian national team wherein all unanimously agreed that the Grassroots Programme held the key for the future.

Meanwhile, the AIFF Annual General Meeting would be held on December 20, 2015 in Goa.