The Indian Football League: A New Era in Indian Football
New Delhi- The Indian Football League (IFL), previously known as the I-League, is set to kick off a new chapter in the country’s football landscape from February 21. In a historic decision, club representatives and officials from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have restructured the league, with clubs now becoming majority stakeholders in the venture.
The renaming of the I-League to Indian Football League marks a significant milestone for Indian football. The move towards greater club involvement in league operations mirrors the structure of top leagues worldwide, such as the English Premier League.
Following a period of uncertainty in Indian football, the AIFF and its former commercial partner faced challenges in renewing the Master Rights Agreement (MRA). The intervention of the sports ministry was necessary to resume both the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League.
With the ISL commencing on February 14, the I-League’s restructuring as the Indian Football League presents a fresh start for the country’s second-tier competition.
The league’s lineup for the upcoming season includes clubs like Diamond Harbour, Chanmari FC, Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala, and others. The participation of each club will be confirmed by February 2, the deadline for clubs to contribute their share of the season’s running costs.
Key decisions regarding the league’s governance and format, including the establishment of a Governing Council and Management Committee, aim to streamline operations and ensure a competitive and engaging season.
League Structure and Format
The Indian Football League will feature a total of 80 matches if 11 clubs participate, with a modified format if only 10 clubs are involved. The league will kick off with a single round-robin stage, followed by a phase where clubs are divided into two groups based on performance.
In the final phase, the top six clubs will compete in a round-robin format to determine the ultimate winner, while the bottom two finishers in the second group will face relegation to I-League 2.
As Indian football embarks on a new chapter with the Indian Football League, fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead.
