The AIFF, in its meeting held on September 10, 2024, in Hyderabad, came up with an interesting proposition. In preparation for the 2026 Asian Cup and the Asian Games in the same year, the federation is planning to field the India U20 team in the I-League, the country’s second division.
Should the plan go through, the team would be immune to promotion and relegation even if they finish first or last in the division. The primary motivation for the proposal was to help scout talents in advance and develop them further.
AIFF make massive decision on I-League with youth national team participation
The All India Football Federation have decided to field it’s U20 men’s National Team in the I-League 2024/25 season, per News9 👀⚽️
— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) August 12, 2024
Former India Int’l Ranjan Chaudhary to lead the Blue Colts 🔵 #90ndstoppage pic.twitter.com/Dju2xJ8zSH
The continuous participation of the men’s U20 national team in the I-League would allow them to retain match fitness throughout the year. Moreover, it would also allow them great exposure at a young age owing to the foreigners that other clubs are allowed to field.
As a result, it could be a good decision to achieve youth development at a young stage. But, it also raises questions over the role of clubs in the development of youth in the country.
Not only would the U20 team be disadvantaged by not having foreigners in a competitive sense, but the lack of experience would also be a significant shortcoming. Perhaps a youth player quota, like the foreigner limit would be a better alternative to tackling this issue.
How many teams are in I-League this season?
13 teams
