India’s second tier of domestic football, currently known as the I-League, could begin its new season from February 21 under a completely revamped identity. Key decisions regarding a new name, logo, competition format, and governance structure were finalised during a meeting between club representatives and officials of the All India Football Federation on Wednesday.

At a press conference in New Delhi, the AIFF and representatives of I-League clubs announced a proposal submitted by 11 clubs to rebrand the competition as the Indian Football League (IFL). While the league would retain its status as the second division in the Indian football pyramid, below the Indian Super League, the restructuring is aimed at giving clubs a far greater role in decision-making.

Central to the proposal is the creation of a new Governing Council, in which clubs, the AIFF, and a commercial partner would all be represented and hold equity. Under the proposed model, clubs would collectively own 60 percent of the league, with the AIFF holding 10 percent and the commercial partner 30 percent. The AIFF would continue to own the league overall but would limit its role to regulatory, compliance, and disciplinary matters.

“These changes will allow clubs to have a much stronger voice,” said M Satyanarayan. “All rules and regulations will still be handled by AIFF, but on commercial aspects, the clubs will have a lot of say.”

The proposed changes remain subject to approval by the AIFF Executive Committee, with clubs seeking clearance by January 31 to allow adequate time for planning. If approved, the season will be conducted in two stages. All confirmed participating teams will first compete in a single-leg round-robin league stage. The top six will then contest the championship and a potential promotion place to the ISL, while the bottom five will play at a single venue, with the lowest two facing relegation.

Uncertainty remains over participation numbers. Although 12 clubs played in the 2024–25 I-League season, only 10 have so far confirmed their involvement in the rebranded competition. There is also no clarity yet on the commercial partner, a concern acknowledged by both the AIFF and club owners.

Real Kashmir FC owner Arshad Shawl highlighted the financial challenges ahead. “Sponsors keep asking whether there is even a league,” he said, pointing to lost partnerships and the difficulty of securing funding during a shortened season.

Despite the challenges, optimism remains. “We aren’t here for a short game,” Shawl added. “We are investing in the future, and we are going to be part of this story.”