The existing women's footabll structure in India is set to undergo a revamp, the same was announced by the country's apex football governing body- the All India Football Federation on Friday. Besides the structural changes, AIFF will also be granting a minimum wafe to those who ply their trade at the Indian Women's League (IWL).
Henceforth, the top eight teams featuring in the IWL will have a minimum of 10 Indian players on an annual contract worth ₹3.2 lakhs. The same was confirmed by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey after an executive committee meeting earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, in yet another major change while the forthcoming season (2024-24) of the IWL will have 10 teams in the top division followed by two other divisions, the 2025-26 season will witness a four-tier league with the last tier being the state leagues across the country.
"This was a landmark Executive Committee meeting, where crucial decisions were taken that would directly impact the future of football in India and take it in a direction that was elaborated by the Strategic Roadmap, Vision 2047. We have, collectively, as a team, deliberated on various challenges, gaps and have come up with projects and initiatives that will impact the future of Women’s Football, in a way that has not happened in India in the past," AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said as per an official release.
"The members of the Executive Committee are experienced, and with their wisdom, we were able to come up with solutions that will help us create a vibrant structure. We have taken decisions for the league structure of Women’s Football, minimum salary regulations, and we think this will attract more girls to play football and will help the growth of Women’s Football in India. Women’s Football in India will be able to move ahead to reach the global level," he added.