Date:17/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/17/stories/2007111761432000.htm

Sport

ONGC I League

NEW DELHI: The ONGC I League will kick off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao from November 24 with clubs getting financial incentives too. In a major decision, the All India Football Federation has allowed clubs to register four foreign players instead of three. But only three would be allowed to play in a match.

In the inaugural match, defending champion Dempo Sports Club will take on Salgaocar Sports Club.

The ONGC I League regulations were approved at the Executive Committee Meeting of the AIFF held here on Friday.

Prize money

The prize money for the winner has been increased from Rs. 40 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs.

Also, the runner-up will get Rs. 28 lakhs instead of Rs. 22 lakhs. The winner of each match will get Rs. 35,000. Among other decisions it was decided to allot the Dutta Ray under-21 National football championship to Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

The senior National for women will be played in Bengal and the under-17 girls Nationals in Assam.