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Number of foreigners reduced at Federation Cup

New Delhi: In a major decision, the I-League committee on Wednesday to reduce the number of foreigners for the Federation Cup from three to two besides announcing the fixture for the second phase of the I-League.

The committee, in a meeting here, decided that clubs can register two and play two foreigners in the Federation Cup.

Since clubs had already been intimidated beforehand, they have no other choice but to accept.

“But they should have at least allowed us to register three foreigners,” said one club official. Clubs can register three foreigners in the I-league and field all three of them.

The committee also decided to shift the final round of the Federation Cup from Delhi and Gurgaon to Kolkata.

The tournament will be held under lights from December 4 to 23 at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Barasat Stadium.

The second phase of the I-League will commence from January 23 and run till mid-April.

Meanwhile, India will play a friendly match abroad on January 14 for which a camp will be held from January 2 to 10. The opponent has not been named as yet.

It was also decided that East Bengal be allowed to replace Brazilian striker Edmilson Marques with another foreigner in the I-League.

Edmilson is suffering from Hepatitis B and has been out of action for quite some time.

In another incident, the red-and-gold club has tied up with the Zee Group for three years.

The company will pay Rs 75 lakh each for three years and has promised a bonus of Rs 25 lakh if the team wins or finishes runners-up in the I-League or Federation Cup.

Zee Group, which owns Mumbai FC, has asked East Bengal to allocate seven days in a year for promotional activities. — PTI

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