The much-anticipated kick-off for the I-League 2 23/24 season (3rd tier) is set for January 20th, featuring the participation of eight enthusiastic clubs.
This season promises an exciting competition with a chance for advancement, as two clubs will secure promotion to the I-League 24/25, while two others face the challenge of relegation to I-League 3 24/25. The matches will unfold in a gripping Home & Away format.
As we delve into the 16th season of the I-League 2, established back in 2008, it’s noteworthy that this edition marks a unique chapter. The participating clubs have earned their reinstatement from the previous season, following the league committee’s approval on January 13, 2023.
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When will the I League 2 begin from?
The I League 2 will begin from 20th of January, 2024.
Read More: AIFF Considers Trying Out Additional Video Review System (AVRS) in Indian Football
Here’s a Rundown of the Teams that will be Participating in the Upcoming Edition of I-League 2:
Promotion from 2023–24 I-League 3:
- Sporting Goa
- Dempo
- Sporting Bengaluru
These teams have earned their spot in the I-League 2 after a successful campaign in the 2023–24 I-League 3 season.
Reinstatement from 2022–23 I-League 2 Final Round:
- Maharashtra Oranje (Previously known as Atlanta)
- Bengaluru United
- United
These clubs make a return to the I-League 2 after showcasing their prowess in the 2022–23 I-League 2 Final Round.
Relegation from 2022–23 I-League:
- Mumbai Kenkre
- Sudeva Delhi
Unfortunately, these teams face relegation from the I-League, setting the stage for a fresh start in the I-League 2.
Following are All the 8 Participating Clubs
1. FC Bengaluru United
Established in 2018, Football Club Bengaluru United stands as a prominent professional football club hailing from Bangalore, Karnataka. The club’s inception marked a new era, primarily engaging in local competitions, notably the Bangalore Super Division.
The significant leap came in the 2019–20 season when Bengaluru United ventured into the I-League 2nd Division for the first time. This move showcased their ambition to compete at higher levels and make a mark on the national football scene. Throughout its journey, the club has been under the ownership of Gaurav Manchanda, steering its course with dedication and vision.
Bengaluru United has become a familiar name in both the I-League 2 and the Bangalore Super Division, showcasing its prowess on multiple fronts. The Padukone & Dravid Centre For Sports Excellence Stadium serves as the hallowed ground for Sporting Club Bengaluru, witnessing their home matches.
2. Sporting Club Bengaluru
Sporting Club Bengaluru, affectionately known as Sporting Bengaluru, emerged on the Indian football scene in 2022 as a dynamic and ambitious professional football club based in Bangalore, Karnataka.
The club’s inaugural appearance in the 2022–23 Bangalore Super Division turned out to be nothing short of spectacular. Founded just a year before, Sporting Bengaluru made an immediate impact, clinching the title in their debut season. Displaying exceptional prowess on the field, they secured 46 points in 18 games, outshining their closest rivals FC Bengaluru United.
This triumphant victory not only marked their dominance in the local competition but also earned them a coveted spot in the 2023–24 I-League 3, the recently introduced fourth tier of the Indian football league system. The club continued its winning streak, qualifying for the I-League 2 by defeating Kerala United with a commendable scoreline of 2–1 in the playoffs.
The club proudly calls the Bangalore Football Stadium its home, a venue that has witnessed countless thrilling encounters. Opened in 1971, the stadium boasts a historical significance with a previous capacity of nearly 40,000 spectators. Presently, it features an artificial turf.
3. Sporting Clube de Goa
Sporting Clube de Goa, affectionately known as Sporting Goa or simply SCG, stands as a distinguished professional football club based in the picturesque city of Panaji, Goa.
Founded in 1999 under the name Cidade de Goa, the club underwent a transformative journey to become the football powerhouse it is today. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Portuguese club Sporting CP, the club adopted a similar crest. In 1999, the club underwent a change in ownership, with Mr. Peter Vaz and the current President, Mrs. Natalina Vaz, acquiring Cidade de Goa and renaming it Sporting Clube de Goa.
“The Flaming Orange” as they are fondly called, Sporting Clube de Goa has left an indelible mark on Indian football. The club boasts several Goa Football League titles, securing victories in 2006, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2021. Notably, they hold the distinction of being the only club to clinch the Super Cup without winning either the league or Federation Cup.
The decision to withdraw from the 2016–17 I-League, citing bias against certain clubs by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), showcased the club’s commitment to fair play and principles.
Tilak Maidan, their home stadium located in Vasco da Gama, Goa, is a multi-purpose arena.
4. Dempo SC
Dempo Sports Club, fondly known as Dempo, stands as a prominent professional football institution based in the vibrant city of Panaji, Goa. Competing not only in the national arena but also in the Goa Professional League, Dempo has become synonymous with football excellence.
Owned and sponsored by the Dempo Mining Corporation Limited, the club carries the monikers “The Whites” and “Golden Eagles” with pride. Over the last four decades, Dempo has etched its name as a constant participant in national football championships, amassing immense popularity and a devoted fan base.
The club’s participation in the I-League further solidified its standing in Indian football. Notably, Dempo achieved a historic milestone in 2008 by becoming the first Indian football club to reach the Semi-final of the AFC Cup tournament, showcasing their prowess on the continental stage.
Dempo Sports Club has remained under the ownership of Dempo since its inception. The club’s identity, reflected in its name, is intertwined with the support and sponsorship received from the Dempo Mining Corporation Limited. Classified as an institutional club, Dempo emphasizes local youth development, navigating the challenges of limited finances by prioritizing grassroots efforts over infrastructure and established players.
The Ella Ground in Old Goa serves as the revered home stadium for Dempo Sports Club.
5. Maharashtra Oranje Football Club
Maharashtra Oranje Football Club, formerly known as The Oranje Football Club, proudly stands as a professional football institution based in the vibrant locale of Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Not only does the club compete in the MFA Elite Division, the premier tier of the Mumbai Football League, but it also embodies the rich legacy of the Oranje Football Academy.
Founded in January 2016 by Satyajeet Saaini, a mechanical engineer and a passionate self-taught footballer, the Oranje Football Academy drew inspiration from the famed Dutch philosophy of total football. Boasting over 200 students, the academy has established coaching centers in prominent areas such as Powai Vihar, Hiranandani, and Bhandup, nurturing young talents and instilling the principles of the beautiful game.
In a significant development in September 2023, The Oranje FC took over Atlanta FC, one-half of the former Ambernath United Atlanta. This strategic move secured their place in the 2023–24 I-League 2 season, marking an exciting chapter for Maharashtra Oranje FC.
The AIFF Centre of Excellence in Kharghar proudly serves as the home stadium for Maharashtra Oranje FC. This state-of-the-art facility is not just a venue for matches but a hub where the spirit of football is cultivated and celebrated.
6. Mumbai Kenkre Football Club
Mumbai Kenkre Football Club, a significant player in Indian professional football, finds its roots in the vibrant city of Mumbai, Maharashtra. Established in the year 2000 as Kenkre FC, this club is a familiar contender in the MFA Elite Division of the Mumbai Football League, proudly carrying the moniker “Mumbaikars.”
Founded with a commitment to fostering football talent, Mumbai Kenkre FC has etched its presence in the rich tapestry of Indian football. The club, having previously participated in the prestigious I-League – formerly the highest division of the Indian football league system – embodies the spirit of the sport in the bustling metropolis.
After a stint in the upper echelons of Indian football, Mumbai Kenkre faced a relegation at the conclusion of the 2022–23 I-League season. Despite this setback, the club remains resilient, having enjoyed consecutive spells in the I-League 2nd Division.
The roots of Mumbai Kenkre go back to January 13, 2000, when it was founded as Kenkre Academy FC. This venture was made possible under the patronage of former footballer and coach Adib Kenkre, alongside CEO Joshua Lewis.
Just like their counterparts, Maharashtra Oranje Football Club, Mumbai Kenkre calls the AIFF Centre of Excellence in Kharghar its home stadium.
7. Sudeva Delhi FC
Sudeva Delhi Football Club, a significant entity in Indian professional football, proudly calls the bustling city of Delhi its home. Currently gearing up for the challenges of I-League 2, the third tier of the Indian football league system, the club is on a mission to reclaim its standing after facing relegation from the second tier I-League in the 2022–23 season.
Established in 2014 as Sudeva Moonlight FC, the club is affiliated with Football Delhi (FD) and has been a trailblazer in representing the capital city on the national football stage. In the 2020–21 season, Sudeva made history by becoming the first club from Delhi to join the I-League, showcasing its commitment to elevating the footballing standards in the region.
A notable development in the club’s ownership structure came when local English publican Paul Williams acquired a 20% stake in Sudeva. This partnership adds a dynamic dimension to the club’s journey, combining local flair with international influence.
The path to the I-League began in June 2020 when the All India Football Federation (AIFF) invited bids for a new team. Sudeva was among the three football clubs that submitted bid documents, ultimately securing direct entry into the 2020–21 I-League season.
Ambedkar Stadium, nestled in the heart of Delhi, proudly stands as the home ground for Sudeva Delhi Football Club.
8. United SC
United Sports Club, formerly known as Prayag United and Chirag United, stands as a venerable institution in Indian professional football, rooted in the historic city of Kolkata, West Bengal. Its origins trace back to 1927 when it was founded as Eveready Association, solidifying its connection with the rich football heritage of the region.
Affiliated with the Indian Football Association (IFA), United SC is a force to be reckoned with in both the Calcutta Premier Division A, Asia’s oldest league CFL, and the I-League 2, representing the third division of the Indian football league system.
The club underwent a significant transformation in the 2010s, emerging as one of the most successful teams from West Bengal after football giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. A noteworthy chapter in their journey includes past participation in the I-League, the top tier of the Indian football league system during that period.
The club underwent a pivotal change in 2006 when it was rebranded as United Sports Club. This transformation was propelled by financial backing from Chirag Computers, a subsidiary of the RP Group Company. With renewed sponsorship, United SC secured promotion to the first division of the I-League in 2008, marking a milestone in its evolution.
The Kalyani Stadium serves as the hallowed home ground for United Sports Club, witnessing the highs and lows of their footballing exploits.
I-League 2 kicks-off today!
— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) January 20, 2024
8 clubs and all home venues football specific, such a shame we can’t watch them play LIVE.
The AIFF hasn’t called a tender for the league like they do for IWL, I-League.
Clubs told to look into broadcast with their own resources by AIFF. 😕 pic.twitter.com/hkrwtm2YAb
I League 2 Schedule
The highly anticipated 2023-24 season of I-League 2 is all set to kick off on Saturday, January 20, 2024. The announcement comes with the revelation that eight teams will be partaking in this exciting season, and it will introduce a promotion and relegation model, adding an extra layer of intensity and competition.
Notably, the I-League 2 has strategically planned a 40-day break between February 12 and March 23 to make room for the Santosh Trophy Final Round. This decision showcases a commitment to accommodating various football events and ensuring a comprehensive and seamless schedule for the league.
Football enthusiasts can mark their calendars as the I-League 2 action unfolds, running until the last week of April. The league promises weeks filled with thrilling matches, showcasing the skills and determination of the participating teams.
I League 2 Streaming Details
While the excitement builds for the upcoming season, details regarding streaming or broadcast information are yet to be revealed. Fans around the country eagerly await the announcement to ensure they don’t miss a moment of the riveting I-League 2 action. Stay tuned for further updates as the league draws closer to its kickoff date.
