AIFF bars Chennai City from I-League 2021-22, Kenkre FC named as replacement

Chennai City FC has been barred from participating in the upcoming edition of the I-League by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Club Licensing Committee after failing to comply with many of the mandatory AIFF Club Licensing Regulations, the country's football governing body said on Saturday.

As per AIFF, Chennai City FC will not be granted an exemption as they have already had the opportunity to comply with many of the mandatory licensing regulations.

"The AIFF Club Licensing Committee has taken strong exception to Chennai City FC (the "Club") for failing to comply with most of the mandatory AIFF Club Licensing Regulations for the forthcoming Hero I-League 2021-22 despite giving additional opportunity after assurances from the Club including a detailed conference call," the AIFF said in a statement.

According to the AIFF, the club is also subject to a FIFA transfer ban, which prevents them from signing players. In 2021-22, Kenkre FC will replace Chennai City FC in the I-League.

"In accordance with the powers vested, the AIFF League Committee proposed the name of Kenkre FC as a replacement for Chennai City FC in the Hero I-League 2021-22. The AIFF Emergency Committee has ratified this decision," the AIFF further said.

I-League matches will be announced shortly. The competition begins in Kolkata on December 26.