India U-20 Football Team Set to Compete in I-League 2024-25 Season: Report

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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to field India's U-20 national team in the I-League 2024-25 season, reported News9.

This move comes as part of the federation's broader strategy to provide the junior players with ample competitive experience, especially after the disbandment of the Indian Arrows project in 2022, which saw the national junior team feature in the I-League.

The decision was announced by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey during a meeting with I-League clubs. The revival of a developmental program is seen as a crucial step to bridge the gap between junior and senior-level football in India.

The U-20 team's participation in the I-League is aimed at offering these young athletes a platform to gain valuable match experience in a highly competitive environment, which will be essential for their growth and progression to the senior national team.

The U-20 team is currently gearing up for the SAFF U-20 Championship in Nepal, scheduled from August 16-28, and will also compete in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Laos later in September. These tournaments are expected to serve as important preparatory grounds for the team before they enter the I-League.

While the exact details, such as the team's name and home venue, are yet to be finalized, the AIFF has committed to bearing the costs of the team's stay and logistics throughout the season. The federation is also exploring potential funding sources to support this initiative.

Notably, the U-20 team will be exempt from relegation, similar to the arrangement that existed during the Indian Arrows' previous stints in the I-League. This exemption will allow the young players to focus solely on their development without the added pressure of maintaining the team's position in the league standings.

The I-League clubs, who have previously voiced concerns about the tournament's organization, were reassured during the meeting that the AIFF would work closely with stakeholders to enhance the league's profile. The federation emphasized its commitment to improving the marketing, promotion, broadcast quality, and overall infrastructure of the league.

In addition, it was confirmed that there would be no relegation in the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2024-25 season, marking a temporary shift from the promotion-relegation roadmap agreed upon in 2019.