Ten Teams All Set To Feature In Shortened I-League 2025-26 Season: Report

In what might come as a small yet much-needed boost for Indian football, 10 teams are all set to feature in the shortened I-League, the nation’s second-tier club football tournament, starting Saturday, February 21, according to a report in PTI.

Of the 10 clubs, eight have paid their contribution of around Rs 20 lakh each towards the overall cost of the delayed league. The deadline for the payment was February 2.

The I-League has been running since 2007, but faced an uncertain future when Indian football reached rock bottom in December.

“Eight clubs have paid the amount. Aizawl FC and Chanmari FC have also confirmed participation and they are expected to make the payment shortly,” a club source said while speaking to PTI.

The eight clubs that have

made the payments are Diamond Harbour, Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala, Rajasthan United, Dempo SC, Namdhari FC, Shillong Lajong and Sreenidi Deccan.

Diamond Harbour of West Bengal and Chanmari FC of Mizoram were promoted from the I-League Second Division 2024-25.

Goa’s Churchill Brothers are almost certain not to compete in the I-League. They were announced as the last edition I-League champions and promoted to the Indian Super League, which is all set to start on Saturday, February 14.

However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport later ruled Inter Kashi as champions, paving the way for the Varanasi-based club’s promotion to the Indian Super League. Churchill Brothers challenged the Delhi High Court’s decision against the All India Football Federation and the case remains pending.

“Churchill Brothers aren’t in touch with I-League clubs. They haven’t replied to numerous attempts to get in touch with them,” the source said while speaking to PTI.

The I-League is all set to be restructured and rebranded as the Indian Football League, with clubs becoming majority stakeholders in the competition from the upcoming season, which starts on February 21.