The fourth premier National Football League and second division league has is scheduled from December 1 to March 15 next year, according to the calendar released here by All India Football Federation secretary KN Nour.

The Santosh Trophy Senior National Championship will be held from March 20 to April 5 next year.

The AIFF drew much flak last year for its unimaginative scheduling that saw the National League continue after the Santosh Trophy had begun, leaving top players a tired lot coming into the National Championship.

This year, the league will end before Santosh Trophy starts, providing top players some rest in between.

Calendar for 1999-2000

Federation Cup (knock-out) tournament: Zonal rounds: October 4-12; Final round, Oct 20-Nov 2.

Under-16, under-19 (men) and under-19 (women): Dec 11-30.

Under-21 national,zonals: October 2-13; Final round: October 23-Nov 4.

Women's Federation Cup: October 1-13.

All India major tournaments: November.

Women's Nationals: February 1-15, 2000.

National Football League (premier and second divisions): Dec 1-March 15, 2000.

Santosh Trophy: March 20-April 5, 2000.