The Indian Super League has launched its first ‘Developmental League’ which promises to give young footballers a platform to showcase their ability and play regularly at a good sporting level. South Goa will host the first edition of the league, across 2 stadiums. 3 training grounds have also been prepared for the teams.
The tournament will commence on 15th April and run till 20th May 2022.
At least 7 ISL clubs have confirmed their participation while ATK Mohun Bagan, SC East Bengal, and NorthEast United FC are likely to opt out.
Odisha FC’s presence at the competition is also uncertain.
Teams have been asked to arrive on 12th April 2022, while training grounds will be made available over the next two days. While there will not be the dreaded bio-bubble which was implemented in the last two ISL seasons, Rapid Antigen Testing will be conducted on Matchdays and clubs will need to conduct PCR testing prior to travel
Eligibility of Players
To make the squad, players will have to be born on or after 1st January 2001. However, the squad can include up to 5 players born on or after the 1st of January 1999 with a maximum number of 3 in the playing XI at a time. Squad size will be between 18 to 24 players.
Players also need to be registered to the club in AIFF’s CRM since the league is set to be conducted using the AIFF CRS.
Format of the Developmental League
The tournament will see a single Round-Robin format, each team will play 8 games. A minimum of 2 days of rest will be granted after every matchday and halfway through the league, a 4-day window of no matches will be given.
One team will rest per round and the top two teams at the end of the 8 games played, will qualify for the next phase of the tournament. 5 substitutions can be made across the 90-minute period of play.
Clubs have been asked to confirm their accommodation and submit their squad and staff list on 30th March 2022.
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