Indian Football League Emerges as New Identity for Second Tier Football
The landscape of Indian domestic football has undergone a significant transformation with the announcement that the I-League will now be known as the Indian Football League. This rebranding comes alongside a completely new format and governance structure that promises to reshape the second tier of football in the country.
Joint Announcement Marks New Beginning
The official announcement was made jointly by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and club representatives on Wednesday, marking a collaborative approach to the future of domestic football. The newly named league, while maintaining its position as the second division in India's football ecosystem, will now operate under a Governing Council that includes representation from clubs, AIFF, and commercial partners.
Historical Context of Name Changes
For long-term followers of Indian football, this name change represents another chapter in the evolving history of the domestic game. The journey began in 1996 with the National Football League, which was rebranded as the I-League in 2007. Following the emergence of the Indian Super League as the top tier competition, the I-League was relegated to second division status, setting the stage for this latest transformation.
New Governance and Equity Structure
The most significant aspect of this restructuring is the equity distribution within the new governing framework. According to AIFF acting general secretary M Satyanarayan, clubs will hold 60% stake in the league, while AIFF retains 10% and the commercial partner will own 30%. This arrangement gives clubs substantial influence over commercial decisions while AIFF maintains control over rules and regulations.
"Together, we will work on how to run this league," said Satyanarayan. "All matters with regards to rules and regulations are going to be with AIFF. On all commercial aspects, the clubs will have a lot of say."
Competition Format and Season Details
The 2025-26 season of the Indian Football League is scheduled to begin on February 21 with a reduced format. The competition structure will feature:
- A round-robin single-leg system for all participating clubs in the first stage
- Top six clubs competing in home-and-away matches with promotion to the top league as the prize
- Bottom teams playing in a centralized location with relegation implications
The AIFF expects at least 10 teams to participate in the league, though details about broadcasting platforms remain unclear following the exit of Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).
Club Representatives Express Optimism
Representatives from prominent clubs including Real Kashmir, Shillong Lajong, and Gokulam Kerala attended the announcement, expressing optimism about the new structure. These clubs have invested significantly in Indian football despite challenging economic conditions, and the opportunity to participate in commercial decisions represents a positive development.
Real Kashmir FC owner Arshad Shawl highlighted the potential for clubs to shape their financial future: "We'll be part of the branding, we'll be part of the marketing, we'll obviously look at the brands of individual quality, reach out to people, reach out to commercial partners, broadcast partners, co-develop it, co-create it."
Financial Realities and Market Corrections
Despite the positive developments, the financial challenges facing Indian domestic football remain significant. The exit of FSDL and new governance models for both the Indian Football League and Indian Super League suggest that player salaries may undergo market corrections over the next 2-3 years.
One AIFF official noted the need for adjustment: "Are the players capable of getting jobs anywhere else? They will have to be ready for some market corrections that take place." This reflects the broader reality that Indian football must balance ambition with financial sustainability.
Looking Forward
The rebranding to Indian Football League represents more than just a name change—it signals a shift toward greater club involvement in commercial decisions and a more structured approach to second-tier football. As clubs prepare for the new season beginning February 21, the success of this model will depend on effective collaboration between all stakeholders and the ability to attract commercial partners in a challenging economic environment.
