There will soon be a major structural change in Indian football. From the next season, the nation’s traditional second-division league, the I-League, may be renamed the Indian Football League (IFL). There will be more involved than merely a name change. A new governance model made possible by the transformation enables clubs to manage the league. Fans will be able to bet on the I-League in India, similarly to reading top betting odds for Canada herewhich marks a significant progress for the national league.
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The proposal was finalised after extensive consultations between clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The revamped league is scheduled to kick off in February 2026. But some paperwork still needs to be done by the AIFF Executive Committee.
The Urgent Need for Rebranding
The I-League will be rebranded as the Indian Football League. The transformation is caused by public confusion since not everyone can guess what stands behind the I-League. The currency format also requires more transparency and clarity. The upcoming change will help to improve the existing hierarchy beneath the Indian Super League (ISL). The IFL will continue to function as the second tier, with renewed purpose and stronger institutional support.
- Satyanarayan, the Acting General Secretary of the AIFF, affirmed that the decision to alter the name was the result of ongoing discussions between clubs and officials. They wish to restructure the league, particularly with regard to commercial management and governance.
The New Governance Structure
The most noticeable difference is the new governing system. Club representatives will be properly integrated into the Management Committee and Governing Council for the first time. The new model was inspired by the successful legal frameworks from Europe. Under the new structure:
- Clubs will hold 60% ownership of the league.
- The AIFF will hold 10% ownership, focusing mainly on regulatory compliance monitoring.
- Commercial partners will hold 30% ownership of the league.
The AIFF will continue to own the league, with limited involvement in commercial decisions. Instead, clubs will now have a decisive voice.
The English Premier League became the main source of inspiration. Its club-oriented governance encourages dynamic growth and financial stability across the league. That’s just exactly what the I-League required. Shillong Lajong FC owner Larsing Sawyan described the move as “a small step with a big impact”.
Competition Format and Timeline
The Indian Football League is about to step into the new season. According to the new format, the championship will be split into two phases. All clubs will first compete in a single-leg round. Then, the league will be split into two groups:
- Championship round: The top six teams will battle for the title and potential promotion to the ISL
- Relegation round: The bottom teams will compete at a central venue. Then, the last two teams will face relegation to I-League 2.
Consistent performance at the start of the season is guaranteed by points won in the first phase. Final participation will determine the overall number of matches. There must be about 80 matches if only 10 clubs confirm their attendance.
Financial Commitment and Participation
Clubs have been given time to deposit their participation fees. Once done, fixtures are going to be officially released. The total operational cost for the season has been pegged at ₹3.25 crore. Clubs will contribute approximately 60% of this amount, making around ₹20 lakh per club.
Only ten clubs have confirmed their participation in the competition, which formerly had twelve teams. Uncertainty has been increased by ongoing judicial and administrative conflicts. However, officials are confident in the transformation’s effectiveness and its beneficial effects on the National Football League.
Broadcasting and Commercial Challenges
The primary problem is still that the official broadcaster and business partner are not there. Hopefully, the correct answers will be found through further talks. Sponsorship talks have become more challenging due to the postponed restart and abbreviated season. Funding is negatively impacted by the league’s future uncertainty, as several club owners have acknowledged. In the long run, the IFL may become more appealing to advertisers and broadcasters due to its club-led system.
A Fresh Start for Indian Football
The I-League rebranding takes place at the right time. Indian football is now dealing with governance crises, delayed matches, and legal disputes. The transformation can be a great attempt to reset and rebuild trust, speed up operations, and help clubs maintain stable performance. In case of successful realization, the IFL can become more than just a stepping stone to the ISL. It can turn into a competitive, financially stable league that strengthens regional football culture.
The AIFF Executive Committee is the center of attention. Indian football’s second division will formally enter a new era if sanction is given. There is promise for a better future with a new name and a new structure.
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