CUTTACK 01-Jul-2012 199
Football Association of Odisha today announced to introduce prize money in both divisions of the FAO League from this year. The important decision was taken at the ExecutiveCommittee meeting, which took place at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack and was presided over by Odisha Olympic Association secretary Asirbad Behera.
``The champion team of the FAO First Division League, which scheduled to start at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on July 22, will be given Rs 1 lakh and the runners-up Rs 50,000,’’ announced FAO secretary Sanjay Behera.
Altogether 26 teams would vie for the First Division title. Teams have been divided into four groups and after preliminary league, three teams from each group would qualify for the super league. The 12 super league teams would be placed in two groups and the top two finishers would enter the semifinals.
The First Division League would feature a total of 111 matches and all the matches will be played at Barabati Stadium. The First Division League would be completed in September.
FAO Second Division League, featuring 15 teams and carrying cash prizes of Rs 25,000 for the champions and Rs 15,000 for the runners-up, would take place at Bidanais ground, Cuttack in August. Last year`s Second Division champions Yuba Bandhu Cultural Group have been promoted to the First Division and Odisha Fisheries Recreation Club, which finished at the bottom of the First Division League, have been relegated to the Second Division.
