Hero Federation Cup to kick-off on April 30

"The top eight teams as per the standings of the Hero I-League (after completion of the Final round) will be playing in the knock-out format on a Home and Away basis including the semifinals with the Final match being slated to be played at a neutral venue," the AIFF said in a statement.

As per the regulations of the Tournament, the lower ranked Teams are to play their Home match first.

Round One is scheduled to be played on April 30 and May 1; while Round 2 will be played on March 3 and 4, 2016.
 
The first round of the semifinals is to be played on May 7 and May 8 with the return legs slated for May 14 and 15.

The Final will be played on May 21.
 
The schedule of the Tournament is as follows:

Round 1 (April 30 and May 1, 2016):

No. 8 positioned Team vs No. 1 positioned Team (Match 1)

 

No. 7 positioned Team vs No. 2 positioned Team (Match 2)

 

No. 6 positioned Team vs No. 3 positioned Team (Match 3)

 

No. 5 positioned Team vs No. 4 positioned Team (Match 4)

 

Round 2 (May 3 and May 4, 2016):

 

No. 1 positioned Team vs No. 8 positioned Team (Match 5)

 

No. 2 positioned Team vs No. 7 positioned Team (Match 6)

 

No. 3 positioned Team vs No. 6 positioned Team (Match 7)

 

No. 4 positioned Team vs No. 5 positioned Team (Match 8)

 

SEMIFINAL (Round 1 -- May 7 & 8, 2016).

 

Winners of Match 1 & 5 vs Winners of Match 4 & 8 (Match 9)

 

Winners of Match 2 & 6 vs Winners of Match 3 & 7 (Match 10)

 

SEMIFINAL (Round 2 -- May 14 & 15, 2016).

 

Winners of Match 4 & 8 vs Winners of Match 1 & 5 (May 14)

 

Winners of Match 3 & 7 vs Winners of Match 2 & 6 (May 15)

 

GRAND FINALE: May 21, 2016.