For the first time since 2007, when the I-League was founded, there will be no teams from West Bengal competing in the second division of Indian football. Mohammedan Sporting were the last club to represent the state in the I-League, but have now been promoted to the ISL after a thrilling run.
Now, all three major clubs from West Bengal – Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting will play in the ISL. This marks a very exciting time for fans, sparking competition at the highest level amongst the top clubs in the division.
I-League to be without any West Bengal clubs in 24/25
For the first time since I-League’s inception (in 2007), there’ll be NO Bengal clubs participating in the Indian Football’s 2nd tier league ❌😵
— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) April 27, 2024
Mohammedan SC were the lone Bengal club for last 5 seasons, they earned their promotion to ISL (top tier) this season 📈 pic.twitter.com/UXsfS45LzC
Mohammedan will be in the first tier provided they can clear the financial checks before the season starts.
Dempo SC have returned to the I-League after a huge battle in the third division, and will compete alongside the other teams for another spot in the ISL.
West Bengal have contributed a lot to Indian football over the years, and have placed themselves as a hotbed of footballers for generations. From I-League 2, the next team to come into the second division from West Bengal could be United SC if they can somehow make it into I-League.
Which are the top teams in the I-League next season?
Sreenidi Deccan, Gokulam Kerala, Inter Kashi, Real Kashmir
