December 22, 1998

The Unofficial Indian Football Site

CALCUTTA: The AIFF have devised a new format for the National League. The third edition is likely to get underway from January 5. Unlike last year when all teams played each other on a home and away basis, the teams(12) will be divided into two groups. Six teams will play each other on a home and away basis and the top two teams will qualify for the Super League. This has been done to save time and expenses for the AIFF which has been unable to rope in any sponsor. The two relegated sides of the previous season Churchill Brothers and Mahindra and Mahindra, have been included in the season's first division. According to sources, the groupings will be as follows-
Group A- Mohun Bagan, Tollygunge Agragami, Air-India, JCT, Dempo,and Churchill Brothers.
Group B-East Bengal, Salgaocar, FC Kochi, Indian Bank, ITI and Mahindras.