I-League to be Renamed Indian Football League with Clubs Taking Control from February 21

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The I-League, India's second-tier football competition, is set to undergo a transformation. It will be renamed the Indian Football League (IFL), with clubs becoming majority stakeholders from the upcoming season starting on February 21.

This decision was made during a meeting between club representatives and All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials and announced at a press conference. The AIFF Executive Committee's approval is pending but expected as a formality.

The restructuring comes amid challenges in Indian football after the AIFF and its former commercial partner, FSDL, failed to renew their Master Rights Agreement beyond 8 December last year. The Indian Super League (ISL), organised by FSDL, and the I-League were temporarily halted until the sports ministry intervened. The ISL is scheduled to commence on 14 February, a week before the IFL.

League Structure and Participation

The league will feature a Governing Council and a Management Committee for the first time. The Governing Council will include one representative from each participating club, three from the AIFF, three from future commercial partners, and two external experts. The Management Committee will handle daily operations. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan explained these changes.

A total of 80 matches are planned if 11 clubs join; fewer than 70 if only 10 participate. Clubs will compete in a single round-robin format, both home and away. In the second phase, clubs split into two groups: the top six and the remaining five. Points from the first phase carry over to determine winners and relegations.

Financial Contributions and Club Participation

The total cost for the 2025-26 season is estimated at Rs 3.25 crore. Clubs are expected to contribute 60% of this amount, approximately Rs 2 crore collectively, meaning each club's share is around Rs 20 lakh. The AIFF will cover 40%, with 30% from commercial partners unlikely to be secured before the league starts.

Ten clubs are confirmed for participation: Diamond Harbour, Chanmari FC, Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala, Rajasthan United, Dempo SC, Namdhari FC, Shillong Lajong, Sreenidi Deccan, and Aizawl FC. However, Churchill Brothers' participation remains uncertain due to ongoing legal issues after being initially declared I-League champions before Inter Kashi was promoted to ISL following a court ruling.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

Originally known as the National Football League (NFL) from 1996 to 2007, it was rebranded as I-League before ISL's inception in 2014 made it India's top-tier league. The I-League then became the second tier. Diamond Harbour of West Bengal and Chanmari FC of Mizoram were promoted for the truncated 2025-26 season.

The final number of participating clubs will be confirmed after 2 February when clubs must pay their share of costs. Larsing Ming of Shillong Lajong stated that eight clubs have fully committed while two others are likely to join following collective decisions made earlier in the day.

This restructuring aims to give clubs more control over league operations similar to other major leagues worldwide like the English Premier League.

With inputs from PTI