New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday launched I-League's second division qualifiers for the 2016-17 season, aiming to widen the football map of the country and strengthen its structure.

The decision was taken by AIFF's I-League core committee here. As part of the plan, participants from all its state associations were invited to take part in the qualifiers, a statement said.

The state associations will be allowed to nominate two teams for the qualifiers from their regional leagues (apart from the teams who would compete in I-League first division and second division league in 2015-16 season).

The state associations need to submit their nominations before September 8.

The clubs, however, will have to comply with the criterias of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), by appointing an AFC ‘B’ license head coach, 18 contracted players and legal entity under societies or companies act to compete in the qualifiers.

The teams will compete among themselves in the zonal round followed by the final round.

Eventually top two teams from the final round will qualify for the 2016-17 second division league, provided they fulfill the club licensing requirements in the due time.