"Although the number of participating teams has increased from 16 to 18, the majority of them are reserve teams after many clubs failed to clear the licensing process. In the previous edition, there were 10 standalone outfits whereas the number has gone down to eight now. Hindustan FC, South United, Ozone FC, Fateh Hyderabad, Chhinga Veng, Rainbow AC have failed to make the cut this time after making an appearance last season. It must be noted that Ozone FC was the one of the finalists last year."
@munna219777: This might be the answer to your question. Chhinga Veng, one of the clubs from the North East, has failed to clear the licensing process. Another North East club, TRAU FC, is already playing in the first division.
What happened to Shillong Lajong? And Royal Wahingdo and Rangdajied? Clubs from Assam (Green Valley FC, Guwahati FC)? None of them are interested to upgrade?
I am talking about financial means to compete at i-League. Finance is a key parameter in licensing norms. Globally it has been proved, for a club to survive you need both money and merit.
Comments
"Although the number of participating teams has increased from 16 to 18, the majority of them are reserve teams after many clubs failed to clear the licensing process. In the previous edition, there were 10 standalone outfits whereas the number has gone down to eight now. Hindustan FC, South United, Ozone FC, Fateh Hyderabad, Chhinga Veng, Rainbow AC have failed to make the cut this time after making an appearance last season. It must be noted that Ozone FC was the one of the finalists last year."
@munna219777: This might be the answer to your question. Chhinga Veng, one of the clubs from the North East, has failed to clear the licensing process. Another North East club, TRAU FC, is already playing in the first division.
I guess they used to in the ileague 2 previously. Odisha FC can have their youth setup out there if they wish.