New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) The All India Football Federation's competition committee has recommended the introduction of the Institutional Football League from January next year.

The committee met virtually on Tuesday, to discuss the way forward for various domestic competitions in the country.

Also Read | ACC Confirms Asia Cup 2023 Super Four and Final Matches Set to Go Ahead As Per Schedule in Colombo.

The AIFF said in a press release, "The league will be a pan-India amateur football competition to boost institutional football and encourage players' recruitment by private corporations, public sector units, state departments, ministerial unites, police/defence/paramilitary forces (unit level) and Railways (Division-level)."

A single-division competition format will be followed if fewer than 16 teams are selected. If more than 16 teams participate in the league, a multiple division format will be followed.

Also Read | England vs New Zealand 4th T20I 2023 Live Streaming Online on SonyLIV & FanCode: Watch Free Telecast of ENG vs NZ Cricket Match on TV in India.

The first division will have 10 teams and the promotion-relegation system between the divisions will be applicable, the release stated.

Furthermore, the committee recommended that the League format be decided in consultation with the selected teams. The winners and runners-up sides will be awarded direct entry into the Federation Cup 2024.

The committee also recommended that the hosts state associations for the final rounds of the senior men's/women's national football championships should be exempted from participating in the group stages of the competition.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)