I-League Name Changed | New Format, New Rules & Much More
The I-League, India’s longstanding second-tier professional football league, is set for a major transformation ahead of the 2025–26 season. Amid ongoing challenges in Indian football—including delayed calendars, the absence of commercial sponsors for both the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League, and governance uncertainties—the league is being rebranded as the Indian Football League (IFL). This shift, proposed following recent discussions between club representatives and All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials, emphasizes greater club involvement and aims to create a more sustainable, club-driven model.
Rebranding and Governance Overhaul
The rebranding to the Indian Football League (IFL) reflects a push for restructuring, with clubs positioned as primary stakeholders. They will take on increased operational and financial responsibilities, including shared costs. Key elements of the proposed changes include:
- Formation of a governing council comprising 9 club representatives alongside AIFF members.
- Establishment of a management committee featuring 5 club representatives, plus AIFF roles such as the General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, League COO, and Strategy Head.
These proposals emerged from a meeting on January 28, 2026, in New Delhi. While formal approval from the AIFF Executive Committee is still pending, stakeholders remain optimistic. The model draws inspiration from club-led structures in successful global leagues, such as the English Premier League, potentially fostering better long-term stability and commercial opportunities.
The changes arrive against a backdrop of difficulties: no title sponsors secured for the ISL or I-League after the expiry of previous agreements, leading to doubts about the league’s viability. The rebranding and governance shift represent efforts to stabilize second-tier football and align it more closely with broader reforms in Indian football.
Revised Format for the 2025–26 Season
The upcoming season will be truncated due to the compressed timeline following delays. The league will feature 11 teams, down from previous editions after Inter Kashi’s promotion to the ISL. Recent promotions from lower divisions include Diamond Harbour (West Bengal) and Chanmari FC (Mizoram), though participation from clubs like Churchill Brothers remains uncertain.
The format adopts a single-leg home-and-away round-robin structure:
- Each team plays every other team once at home and once away.
- This results in a total of 55 matches (compared to the higher number in a full double round-robin).
- Matches will use home venues rather than full centralization.
A proposed two-stage structure includes:
- An initial single-leg round-robin phase.
- A potential split into top (Championship) and bottom (Relegation) groups to determine final standings, promotion, and relegation.
The season is slated to begin on February 21, 2026, shortly after the ISL’s planned February 14 start. Standard tiebreaker rules apply: points, head-to-head results, goal difference, goals scored, and drawing of lots if needed.
Foreign player regulations are expected to align with recent norms (typically up to 6 registered and 4 fielded per match), though exact details may be confirmed closer to the start.
Broader Context and Implications
These developments are part of wider efforts to revive Indian football after months of uncertainty. The I-League champion will continue to earn promotion to the ISL, maintaining the promotion-relegation link. The rebranding and format adjustments aim to fit the shortened window while preserving competitive integrity.
As of late January 2026, fixtures, final team lists, and full Executive Committee approval are still evolving. Fans and stakeholders should monitor official AIFF and league channels for updates.
This revamp signals a pivotal moment for second-tier Indian football, blending tradition with modern governance to build a stronger foundation. Exciting changes are on the horizon—watch this space! ⚽
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