Gangtok,: The second season of the franchise-based football league, Sikkim Premier League (SPL), is scheduled to begin from the last week of January 2024 with the sponsorship of the Government of Sikkim. It is organized by Football Development Private Limited (FDPL) under the aegis of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Addressing a media conference here on Sunday, FDPL executive member Nirmal Chhetri said the SPL Season 2 will start from the last week of January 2024 and end by the first week of March keeping in mind the general elections to be held in 2024. Is planned. The first SPL was a huge success, he said, and as per the instructions of Chief Minister PS Golay, we are making all efforts to make the second season even better.
FDPL was formed by former international and national footballers from Sikkim, including Nirmal Chhetri, Sanju Pradhan, Bikash Jayaru, Nim Tshering Lepcha and Robin Gurung.
SPL has eight franchises – two each from Gangtok and Namchi districts, and one each from Pakyong, Geising, Mangan and Soreng districts. The league venues are Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi and Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, with matches scheduled on midweek and weekends.
A total of 32 matches will be played, including 28 league matches, two semi-final matches, the third-place play-off and the final. Each franchise can register a maximum of 25 players which will include 18 local players including three overseas players, four overseas players and two under-19 players.
A maximum of two foreign players and two outside players can be fielded during the match. It is mandatory to have an under-19 player in the playing eleven.
According to the organizers, there will be no auction of players in SPL Season 2.
“Through SPL, leagues and tournaments are coming up at the district level and in rural areas and the club culture has started. SPL is giving maximum priority to local players and the quality and standard of Sikkim football is increasing,” Chhetri said.
