Kolkata: Keeping the 40 matches cap in mind, the state football association revised the format local league for the Premier Division clubs, handing the big three I-League clubs a direct entry into the championship leg.
The Calcutta Football League Premier Division henceforth will be a two leg tournament with the three local I-League teams -- Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and United SC – seeded directly into the second and final leg consisting 11 teams.
This will mean less number of matches for the three teams as it used to be a 17-team affair earlier, each team playing 16 matches.
As per the revised format, the Indian Football Association divided 14 teams, excluding the three I-League clubs, into two groups where they will play a round robin league in the first leg.
Top four teams from each group will join Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and United SC for the final leg or championship league.
IFA also decided that one team will be relegated to the first division instead of two teams.
The local league will begin from August 19.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 22:14