Defending champions Dempo Sports Club will take on Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club in the opening tie of India's 27th Federation Cup in front of a live television audience. All India Football Federation president Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi today announced that the event, to be held in Goa from 19-30 October will carry an increased prize tag of Rs 2,600,000 ''The winner will get Rs 1,200,000 , runners Rs 700,000 and third placed team Rs 200,000,' he said. Alberto Colaco, AIFF Secretary, announced that the teams had been selected from the last National Football League. ''The top eight teams, plus the four relegated from the NFL last season and the top four teams of the second division NFL make up for the line-up,'' he said.
See also: Zee's challenge: football to rival cricket in India (26 Sept)