Delhi's Sudeva FC are set to take part in the 2020-21 season of the I-league after winning a bid for direct entry into the competition. The AIFF's bid evaluation committee announced the decision post their meeting on Wednesday.
This takes the I-league back to 11 clubs, as they replace Mohun Bagan, who were merged with ISL club ATK.
Sudeva will mark Delhi's return to top-level football, after the Delhi Dynamos franchise shifted base to Odisha in 2019-20, while AIFF's developmental side Indian Arrows also moved base last season (to Goa).
The AIFF also announced that Vishakaptnam's FC will take part in the 2021-22 season.
The bid for direct entry into next season's I-league had been initially submitted by Sudeva, Sreenidhi, and Shillong's Ryntih SC. It may be noted that Sudeva will now be immune to relegation from the division for their first season as a result of winning the direct entry bid.