The first phase of I League is now over where all the 13 teams played against each other once. However, the matches were played behind closed doors due to the strict COVID protocols.
But, there’s some good news for the I League fans in West Bengal. AIFF has now officially announced that fans will be allowed in selected stands and sections in stadiums during the I League Phase II starting from 22nd April.
OFFICIAL: Fans will be allowed in the stadiums during the I League Phase II starting from 22nd April
AIFF announced in an official statement: “In view of the health parameters set by the Government of West Bengal in accordance with the Ministry of Health, fans will be allowed in selected stands and sections in stadiums for the Hero I-League 2021-22 from the second round which kicks-off from April 22 onwards.”
“Fans have already been allowed in stadiums for various other sporting events in the country.”
Leagues CEO, Mr. Sunando Dhar stated: “It gives us immense satisfaction to welcome fans into select stands in the stadiums for the Hero I-League 2021-22. We are grateful to the vast legion of fans for all their support during the tough times in our joint endeavour to move forward together. We are expecting an exciting fight on the cards – be it for the championship race, or the relegation zone.”
“However, we would be constantly reviewing the situation on a regular basis, and act according to the health parameters laid down by the relevant authorities,” Mr. Dhar averred.
All the 13 I League clubs will continue to operate from within the bio-bubble in Kolkata. Although the fans have been allowed in selected parts of the stadiums, they will not be allowed to pass through the competition zone of the respective stadiums.
In Phase II of I League the teams will be divided into two groups — Group A and B, based on the results in Phase 1. The top 7 teams from Phase I will be placed in Group A, and the bottom 6 teams will be placed in Group B to battle for relegation.
The teams in their respective groups will face each other once in a round-robin format. The points of both the phases will be taken into account.
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