The AIFF, on October 17, 2022, released a statement intimating to fans that the new Hero I-League season will commence on November 12, 2022. However, the AIFF is yet to release the fixture list for the tournament along with the official broadcasters of the league.
The season was originally scheduled to begin on October 29. This delay was caused by problems with the regulations, venues, and even logistics. With less than a month till the start of the next campaign, the schedule has yet to be released.
Hero I-League 2022/23 season
With the clubs and other related dignitaries being irked about I-League fixtures not being released, AIFF took matters on its hands. On Monday, they released a statement stating that the league is set. However, it also stated that due to certain issues with broadcasters, they are not able to release them. They further added that the league will return to its home-away format. It also stated that six teams have been facing structural issues. Rajasthan United being one of them.
The 2021-22 season saw an exciting end to it as Gokulam Kerala FC were able to hold on to their title as they pipped Mohammedan SC on the final day of the competition. According to the existing roadmap established back in 2019, the winners of the upcoming I-League season are to be promoted to the Indian Super League. However, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the body that runs ISL, has proposed a delay in the roadmap citing financial issues.
The AIFF press release
“The All India Football Federation is pleased to announce that the 2022-23 edition of the Hero I-League will start on November 12, 2022. Twelve teams are slated to participate in the league. While the fixtures of the Hero I-League are ready, its official declaration is being held back subject to resolving certain issues. As the league is back to its usual format of Home and Away matches this season, six Hero I-League clubs are facing various infrastructural issues and are getting ready to host matches on identified venues.
“At the same time, the AIFF is currently in active discussion with its marketing partners to finalise the official broadcasters, which will enhance the value of viewing experience and help taking the Hero I-League to every nook and corner of the country. The AIFF hopes to settle the key issues at the earliest before announcing the fixtures.“
