AIFF Club Licensing: Club licensing is a crucial process that determines a club’s eligibility to participate in national and AFC club competitions in the Indian football landscape. The recent meeting of the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Club Licensing Committee shed light on the clubs that successfully fulfilled the licensing criteria and those who fell short.
Let’s take a closer look at the clubs that passed the test and those who faced setbacks : AIFF Club Licensing
Passed the Licensing Criteria
RoundGlass Punjab FC: The champions of the I-League, RoundGlass Punjab FC, secured the Premier 1 License and earned promotion to the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL). The club’s achievement in the 2022-23 season led to their successful licensing.Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan FC, FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, and Kerala Blasters FC: These established ISL clubs also obtained the Premier 1 License, ensuring their participation in AFC club competitions (subject to qualification on sporting merit) and the ISL.
AIFF Club Licensing: Which Indian Football Clubs Passed and Failed the Criteria?
Failed to Secure Licenses
NorthEast United FC, Hyderabad FC, and East Bengal FC: Unfortunately, these ISL clubs faced multiple “A” criteria failures and did not fulfill the licensing requirements set by the AIFF.
The Indian Club Licensing System
The annual club licensing process is conducted to ensure clubs meet the necessary criteria for participation in national and AFC club competitions.ISL clubs apply for the “ICLS Premier 1” license, granting them access to AFC club competitions and the ISL.I-League clubs apply for the “ICLS Premier 2” license, which allows them to compete in the AFC Cup and the I-League.
AIFF Club Licensing: Which Indian Football Clubs Passed and Failed the Criteria?
Adjustments Due to Pandemic
The ongoing pandemic had an impact on the club licensing process. The AIFF’s Committee approved a shortfall in spending over the Club Development Plan of F10 Criteria for the 2021-22 financial year.Clubs provided a declaration to cover the shortfall in the next three financial years, demonstrating their commitment to meeting the licensing requirements.
AIFF Club Licensing: Which Indian Football Clubs Passed and Failed the Criteria?
Club licensing plays a vital role in ensuring the professionalism and competitiveness of Indian football clubs. The successful licensing of RoundGlass Punjab FC and other prominent ISL clubs marks a significant milestone in their footballing journey. However, the failure of NorthEast United FC, Hyderabad FC, and East Bengal FC to secure licenses highlights the importance of meeting the licensing criteria. The AIFF’s Club Licensing Committee’s efforts to evaluate and maintain the standards of Indian football are commendable, promoting a thriving and competitive football ecosystem in the country.
Read more : Punjab FC Secures Promotion to Hero ISL: I-League Champions Set for the Big Stage
