AIFF’s Controversial Decision: Delaying ISL Relegation Against AFC Roadmap

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has stirred significant controversy by deciding to postpone the implementation of the relegation system in the Indian Super League (ISL) for another season.

This move directly contradicts the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) roadmap, which had initially slated relegation to start from the 2024-25 season.

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Promotion in the ISL: A New Era Begins

The 2023-24 season marked the beginning of promotion to the ISL, with Punjab FC becoming the first I-League champions to make the leap. Mohammedan Sporting is expected to move up in the upcoming season after winning the I-League in 2023-24, provided they fulfill all licensing criteria.

AFC’s Emphasis on Relegation

According to News Nine Sports, the AFC has expressed its disappointment with the AIFF’s decision. Shin Man Gil, AFC’s deputy general secretary for competitions and football, highlighted in a letter to AIFF’s deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan that while the integration of I-League clubs into the ISL is crucial, the implementation of promotion and relegation is equally important for the overall development of Indian club football.

Controversy Among I-League Clubs

This decision has not gone down well with I-League clubs, which have long advocated for promotion into the ISL based on merit. The I-League, the second-tier football league in India, has seen its clubs threaten legal action against the AIFF if relegation is not implemented as per the AFC’s roadmap.

Reasons Behind the Delay

Multiple media reports suggest that the decision to postpone relegation was influenced by several factors, including financial stability and league growth. The AIFF believes that deferring relegation will provide existing ISL teams with more security, allowing them to focus on developing competitive squads without the immediate pressure of relegation. This, in turn, is expected to improve the quality of football and attract more investors.

Relegation in the 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.

AFC’s Official Stance

The AFC had laid out a roadmap in 2019, recommending the full implementation of promotion and relegation into the top league by the 2024-25 season and the abolition of parallel leagues. In response to the AIFF’s letter seeking guidance on the matter, the AFC reiterated its stance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the roadmap for the development of Indian football. The AFC also reminded the AIFF that failure to follow the roadmap could jeopardize the eligibility of Indian clubs to participate in AFC’s club tournaments.

AIFF’s Executive Committee Decision

At its executive committee meeting in New Delhi, the AIFF decided not to start relegation in the ISL, despite being aware of the AFC’s directives. The issue was included in the agenda, but the decision to postpone relegation was made without much deliberation. The AIFF cited the need to finalize its constitution and its agreement with marketing partners, which expires in December 2025, as reasons for delaying the relegation process.

Potential Legal Battle

The I-League clubs had previously written to the AFC, pointing out the AIFF’s failure to implement other points of the roadmap. They urged the AFC to ensure that the AIFF honors the agreement made five years ago. Following the executive committee’s decision, I-League clubs are considering legal action. Ranjit Bajaj, president of the I-League Clubs Association, expressed his shock and concern, suggesting that the AIFF’s decision could jeopardize the representation of Indian clubs in AFC competitions.

The AIFF’s decision to delay the implementation of relegation in the ISL has sparked controversy and potential legal battles, highlighting the tension between the federation and I-League clubs. As the AIFF navigates these challenges, the future of Indian club football remains uncertain, with stakeholders awaiting the next developments.