No Future For India I-League?
The 2020-21 season of the India I-League recently started, after several delays due to the ongoing pandemic. The season will be played out across four venues in Kolkata using sports bubbles. Eleven teams are participating, and Sudeva FC and Mohammedan SC are replacing the very popular East Bengal and Mohun Bagan after they migrated to the India Super League.
I-League versus Super League
For a couple of years, I-League and ISL co-existed as the two top leagues in the country. With India Super League being much more popular and attracting the best teams and players, it came as no surprise when it was decided that it should become the official top league in India two years ago. The I-League remains the top league in the traditional promotion and relegation system in India, administered by the All India Football Federation. The I-League kept generating a lot of interest and held a prestige status thanks to Mohun Bagan and East Bengal who ahead of this season moved to the ISL. The I-League looks to be in its worst shape yet in the 2020-21 season. No premier status, without two of the most popular teams in India, no chance of teams being promoted to ISL, while there’s the risk of teams being relegated to the second division.
Jan 22, 2020
Many argued that the only reason why the league is relevant is thanks to Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. But the I-League is not only relevant but also important for football in the country. As of the 2023-24 season, the winners of the I-League 2022-23 season will earn a spot in the Super League. Teams being promoted from the I-League won't have to pay entry fees to be included in the ISL, they are solely included based on sporting merit. So as of 2023, the Super League will be part of the AIFF relegation system and the I-League will play an essential part in ushering in new teams and talent to the top league. This is why the I-League quality must remain on a high level so the teams can compete in the Super League when the time comes.
Another reason is that the I-League has a great variance when it comes to geography. Most areas of India have them representing the areas. This means that there are fans all over the country, and it offers greater diversity than the Super League.
The ISL is also disconnected from the grassroots development of talent and football in India due to its closed format. Through the relegation system, local teams can attempt the professional route and compete in the lower division and fight their way up the system to make a name for themselves nationally.
Special Arrangements for the 2020-21 Season
Alongside the normal cash awards that barely cover operating expenses, the AIFF agreed on a special arrangement with the Asian Football Confederation to add more incentive for teams and fans. The number one team in the I-League gets an AFC Cup group stage slot. A privilege that was previously reserved to the winners and runner-ups of India Super League. The pandemic and the fact that the season will be played out inside sports bubbles in one city means that travel and accommodation costs are lower than usual. This gives some relief in terms of costs and the low amount of prize money.
The format of play is also different due to the bubble format. All teams will play each other once and after ten rounds, every team would have faced the other teams at least once. At that point, the competition will be split into two. The top six teams will fight for the I-League title in the championship pool. The bottom five will fight to stay and avoid relegation. Only one team can get relegated.