How did Mumbai City qualify for the RFDL Zonal stage despite finishing fifth?

Mumbai City FC’s qualification for the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) Zonal Group Stage has sparked discussions on social media. 

The team finished fifth in the regional qualifiers with just one win and four points, seemingly falling short of qualification.

Initially, Millat FC, who finished third, secured the final qualification spot, as three teams from the regional qualifiers advanced to the zonal stage.

Financially weaker clubs faced challenges in continuing their journey in the RFDL, with Millat FC withdrawing due to logistical and financial constraints associated with traveling for zonal stage matches.

Similarly, MYJ-GMSC, the next eligible team, also pulled out for similar reasons, leaving the third and final zonal stage spot vacant.

Backed by the robust resources of Manchester City’s City Football Group, Mumbai City FC capitalized on the opportunity, stepping in where others could not.

What is RFDL?

The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) is India’s premier youth football league, organized by the Reliance Foundation in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Featuring over 60 teams, the league provides a vital platform for young players across the country.

It primarily features U-21 players, with allowances for up to five players aged 21-23 (a maximum of three in the starting XI), and restricts teams to 24 players with no foreign nationals.

The RFDL provides logistical assistance for the Nationals, but the burden of managing logistics for zonal stage and transitions often becomes a challenge for smaller clubs. 

Mumbai City FC, being a well-resourced team, was able to step in when others could not.

While the circumstances of their qualification might seem unusual, Mumbai City FC now has the opportunity to compete and prove themselves at the Zonal stage.

Teams who qualified for the Zonal stage from Mumbai & Goa regions:  Dempo SC, FC Goa, SESA FA, Reliance Foundation Young Champs,The Oranje FC