# ISL Expansion: Relegation to be Introduced Once League Reaches 16 Teams

URL: https://technosports.co.in/isl-expansion-relegation-to-be-introduced-once/  
Published: 2023-04-15  
Updated: 2023-04-15  
Author: REMYA BABU S

**ISL Expansion**: The [Indian Super League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Super_League) (ISL) has been a closed league since its inception in 2014. However, according to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) roadmap, agreed upon by all parties in 2019, promotion and relegation will be introduced starting in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, respectively. The goal is to attain a strength of 16 clubs before instituting relegation in Indian football’s top flight.

In line with this roadmap, the league is set to grow to 12 teams in 2023-24, with I-League champions RoundGlass Punjab eligible to compete in the league if they fulfill the stringent AFC licensing criteria. However, no relegation will be introduced yet, according to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. “Our aim is to have a structured football league, which fulfills all basic AFC guidelines,” he said.

> 🚨 | FSDL, the organizers of Hero ISL wants to attain a strength of 16 clubs before introducing relegation in the top-tier of Indian football. [[@SayanMukherjee4](https://twitter.com/SayanMukherjee4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), News9] [#IndianFootball](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/6GiOgniubi](https://t.co/6GiOgniubi)
>
> — 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) [April 14, 2023](https://twitter.com/90ndstoppage/status/1646941313718439937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Here’s what we know so far about the promotion and relegation plans for ISL : ISL Expansion

> 🚨 | AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has confirmed that Hero I-League champions RoundGlass Punjab FC is working on licensing for Hero ISL ⤵️ :  
>   
> "If they fill up the criteria, they'll play as we are starting promotion to ISL. However, there'll be no relegation as of now," tells PTI [pic.twitter.com/ujByMTsDFz](https://t.co/ujByMTsDFz)
>
> — 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) [April 14, 2023](https://twitter.com/90ndstoppage/status/1646940276328656896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

**ISL Expansion Plan**

The ISL organizers, FSDL, aspire to grow the league to 16 teams before introducing relegation in the top-tier of Indian football. This expansion is in line with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) roadmap agreed upon by all stakeholders in 2019.

**Promotion and Relegation Timeline**

Promotion to ISL is set to be introduced in the 2023-24 season, while relegation will be implemented in the 2024-25 season. This shift marks a significant change since the ISL has been a closed league since its inception in 2014.

**RoundGlass Punjab FC**

I-League champions RoundGlass Punjab FC are working on obtaining the necessary licensing to join the ISL. If they meet the stringent AFC licensing criteria, they will be eligible to play in the league starting from the 2023-24 season.

> AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey discusses on👇  
> 1. NO OVERSEAS PLAYER IN STATE LEAGUES   
> 2. THE INSTITUTIONAL LEAGUE  
> 3. IMPLEMENT A MINIMUM PAY FOR FEMALE FOOTBALLERS[#IndianFootball](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#heroisl](https://twitter.com/hashtag/heroisl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#IndianSuperLeague](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianSuperLeague?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)   
>   
> Report [https://t.co/K1J9FdcNzS](https://t.co/K1J9FdcNzS)
>
> — Soccer Express (@SoccerExpress7) [April 15, 2023](https://twitter.com/SoccerExpress7/status/1647223258322808832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## ISL Expansion: Relegation to be Introduced Once League Reaches 16 Teams

> Kalyan Chaubey on relegation in ISL 🗣️[#indianfootball](https://twitter.com/hashtag/indianfootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#heroisl](https://twitter.com/hashtag/heroisl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/wmSlHoM53s](https://t.co/wmSlHoM53s)
>
> — Soccer Express (@SoccerExpress7) [April 15, 2023](https://twitter.com/SoccerExpress7/status/1647102075841687555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

**No Participation Fee for Promoted Teams**

Unlike existing ISL franchises that pay a participation fee of Rs 15-18 crore per season, promoted I-League champions will not be obliged to pay any participation fee, making it a more accessible opportunity for clubs.

**Minimum Wage for Women Footballers**

The AIFF has introduced a minimum wage for female footballers, with top teams having at least 10 home-grown players on contracts of a minimum of Rs 3.2 lakh. This initiative aims to improve the conditions for female players in the Indian Women’s League (IWL).

**Institutional League**

The AIFF has announced the launch of a 10-team institutional league involving public sector undertakings (PSUs). This league aims to provide job opportunities and revive PSU teams that faded into obscurity due to licensing criteria.

> Kalyan Chaubey on relegation in Hero ISL? 🗣️ : "We are in discussion with FSDL. There's a thought of implementing relegation once there are 16 clubs. No decision arrived yet."  
>   
> "Our aim is to have a structured league, which fulfills all basic AFC guidelines," tells News9 [pic.twitter.com/E7iC9t7h3A](https://t.co/E7iC9t7h3A)
>
> — 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) [April 14, 2023](https://twitter.com/90ndstoppage/status/1646942293373640704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## ISL Expansion: Relegation to be Introduced Once League Reaches 16 Teams

> AIFF 4th EC meeting took a few far reaching decisions!![@kalyanchaubey](https://twitter.com/kalyanchaubey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#IndianFootball](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#heroisl](https://twitter.com/hashtag/heroisl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [https://t.co/0hvsnOadRG](https://t.co/0hvsnOadRG)
>
> — 𝓥𝓮𝓻♡𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓪 𝒯𝒶𝓇𝒶𝒻𝒹𝒶𝓇 (@veronica4178) [April 15, 2023](https://twitter.com/veronica4178/status/1647234643614400513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

**Foreign Player Restrictions**

Starting from the upcoming season, no foreign players can be registered for state leagues. In the ISL and I-League, six foreigners can be registered, with four (including one Asian player) allowed on the pitch during matches.

**Preparing for AFC Asian Cup**

The AIFF is in discussion with stakeholders and marketing partners regarding a camp for the Indian Football Team’s preparation for the AFC Asian Cup. A schedule of international matches has been planned, including the International Cup, SAFF Championship, Asian Games, Merdeka Cup, and FIFA international windows.

## ISL Expansion: Relegation to be Introduced Once League Reaches 16 Teams

> 🚨 | The licensing process is currently an ongoing process, with RoundGlass Punjab FC exploring possibility of playing their home matches in New Delhi (JN Stadium). However, the promoted I-League champions will not be obliged to pay any participation fee. [News9] [#IndianFootball](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) [April 14, 2023](https://twitter.com/90ndstoppage/status/1646942937916518400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

ISL Expansion: While no official decision has been taken yet, it is clear that the ISL has ambitious expansion plans. The introduction of promotion and relegation in the top flight of Indian football is a major step towards a more structured football league that fulfills all basic AFC guidelines. With the roadmap in place, it remains to be seen how the ISL will evolve in the coming years.

Read more : **[Ranking the Most Popular ISL Clubs Based on Television Ratings](https://technosports.co.in/wp-admin/post.php?post=422967&action=edit) **