The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to postpone the implementation of the relegation system in the Indian Super League (ISL) for another season.
The AIFF has ignored the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) roadmap, which had initially slated relegation to start from the 2024-25 season.
According to news nine sports, AFC replied to AIFF based on the decision. “Whilst the increase in the number of Clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) through the integration of I-League cubs forms a crucial part of the roadmap, we believe the implementation of promotion and relegation is equally important for the overall development of the Indian club footballing landscape,” AFC’s deputy general secretary for competitions and football, Shin Man Gil wrote in a letter to AIFF’s deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan.
Controversy for I-league clubs
This move by AIFF may be controversial for the I-league club. I-league is the second-tier football league in the country. I-League clubs has been advocating for promotion into the first-tier league (ISL) on a merit basis. Earlier, the I-League clubs have already threatened to take legal action against the AIFF if relegation was not implemented as per the AFC’s roadmap.
Why no relegation in ISL
According to multiple media reports, The decision to postpone relegation was influenced by a number of factors, including financial stability and league growth. The AIFF believes that deferring relegation will give existing ISL teams more security, allowing them to focus on developing competitive squads without the immediate pressure of relegation. As a result, the league’s football quality is expected to improve and attract more investors.
Relegation in I-League
Despite the delay in the ISL, relegation will take place in the I-League. TRAU FC and Neroca FC will be relegated, despite appeals from Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh to exempt them due to the ongoing ethnic unrest in the state.
