SYSTEM QUESTIONED AS EELANDII RUMORED IN
The process for new clubs to be included in the Vilitan League, replacing the two teams relegated each season from the Declasse Division, has always been guarded in secrecy. Vilitan League officials, club Chairmen and other notable 'experts' meet in Alikki-Corra. When they are done, there is no announcement, no hoopla and no press release. Simply a phone call to two clubs to expect a packet to arrive welcoming them to the league.
While the process has always been the process, and has not often been questioned, there are always teams that feel that they will have done enough to earn their inclusion in the league after strong performances in the Vilitan Cup, but that are overlooked for another club, perhaps with more history, perhaps something else.
Lately, however, there has been some unease from Vilitan clubs that politcal motivations were seeping into the selection process, notably with the frequent selection of Inura Forests, Wunokalsa Waridi and other Turorian clubs to the Declasse Division despite accomplishing nothing of note either in the Vilitan Cup, or, in the League. In fact, Turorian clubs have been one-and-done entrants into the Vilitan League the past 3 seasons and have accounted for 5 one-and-done campaigns over the previous 7 seasons.
Critics suppose that the repeated invitation of unheralded Turorian clubs weakens the overall quality of competition in the Declasse Division and prevents otherwise competent Vilitan clubs from getting a chance to re-establish themselves.
However, defenders of the system presume and support the idea that if a Turorian team is relegated, it is fair to assume that a Turorian team is more likely to be selected as its replacement over a slightly more accomplished Vilitan club.
However, when word started leaking out that a call had been made to the upstart chair of the Sporta Eelandii Nationals club - a new club started in the purpose-built city of Eelandii to promote the new Turorian center of sport even when the National Team is not in action, the debate started once again.
Recently Relegated Turorian Clubs
S42 - Wunokalsa Waridi
S41 - Inura Forests
S41 - Cedniavella
S39 - Sokattack Mliona
S37 - Wunokalsa Waridi
S36 - Sokattack Mliona
S35 - Inura Forests
S35 - FC Almintora
Of course, defenders once again point out that yet another Turorian side was relegated during Season 42. And, with Wunokalsa Waridi, Inura Forests, Cedniavella and Sokattack Mliona all having been relegated in consecutive seasons, the Selection committee apparently has decided to give another team a chance.
While most would have expected Cednia Rovers to be the next Turorian team in line for a chance at the Vilitan League, the selection committee has apparently opted to bring the domestic game to Eelandii in what is likely going to be looked at as more fuel to the fire for critics looking to change the selection system. Sporta Eelandii Nationals have never even qualified to the Pod Phase in the Vilitan Cup, having no worthwhile footballing credentials.
However, they bring marketing clout, located strategically between the major Turorian cities of Cednia and Almintora, the Eelandii based club will be likely to have an easier time attracting players than clubs in Inura and Waridi have had.
One of the clubs likely to protest the decision the most is Morata Valley. Having made one of the most historic declines in Vilitan League history, Morata Valley anything but in the Valley after Season 37, having finished an all time high 5th in the Stellar Division and earning a place in the highest UICA Competition. However, it would be just a flash in the pan for the inland club as after a mediocre season 38, Morata Valley suffered successive relegations and found themselves outside the league system for the first time since Season 15.
While the club have been able to retain some key players, it is likely this will be the last straw if the rumors are true and Morata Valley will be spending yet another season outside the league.
Interestingly, it is believed that Vilitan side Crosaibi Locals will be the other team returning to the Declasse Division for Season 43. Crosaibi Locals have had 2 prior attempts to make a name for themselves in the league, being relegated each time, the most recent 10 seasons prior.