Preview: Second division or not, the I-League matters
This season will pose the toughest question to the I-League's existence, its importance, relevance, and success. The answer is critical.
2020 Schedule
This season will pose the toughest question to the I-League's existence, its importance, relevance, and success. The answer is critical.
No East Bengal or Mohun Bagan, costs rising and revenue dipping, I-League clubs hold out for shot at promotion in 2022.
The AIFF is likely to decide on the future of the ongoing I-League season in the first week of April, following consultations with the clubs.
Mohun Bagan clinched their second I-League crown and fifth national league title with a 1-0 win against Aizawl in Kalyani.
Who were the top performers across the 11 teams in February? ESPN has you covered with the power rankings.
Which players have been the top performers across the 11 teams in January? ESPN has you covered with the power rankings.
Which players have been the top performers across the 11 teams? ESPN has you covered with the power rankings.
Who are the favourites for a title challenge? Who is most likely to get relegated? Here is ESPN's primer on all 11 clubs.
In a letter signed by the managing director of Mohun Bagan, six I-League clubs have urged the Prime Minister to "probe the AIFF's functioning"
Five clubs, including Minerva and Aizawl were fined Rs. 10 lakh each, while East Bengal were asked to pay Rs 5 lakh.
Eight of 11 clubs have written to AIFF president Praful Patel requesting a meeting on February 20 to "seek answers" regarding the I-League's future.
Which teams run the danger of relegation? Could there be a surprise title contender? ESPN predicts the final league standings for the season ahead.
Regardless of the result, Tuesday's AFC Champions League qualifying playoff against Iran's Zob Ahan will be a milestone for Aizawl FC.
Midfielder Mahmoud Al Amnah says the trip to Aizawl will be emotional, but his sole focus will be on helping East Bengal win.
Aizawl have not had the best of starts this season, but against the league leaders Minerva Punjab, they turned back the clock to 2016-17.
Despite a dominating 1-0 victory against Churchill Brothers, Aizawl's coach Paulo Meneses will be worried by his team's poor finishing this season.
William Lalnunfela's star turn brought Aizawl back from the brink and helped hold East Bengal to a 2-2 draw in the season opener for both teams.
With two leagues running simultaneously, I-League will find it increasingly difficult to compete with ISL, but there's hope for younger players.
As the I-League completes 10 years, ESPN's writers pick their memories of matches or moments that they witnessed first-hand.
Defending champions Aizawl FC begin their title defence away to East Bengal, while the first Kolkata derby of the season will take place on Dec 2.
TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Churchill Brothers | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | +9 | 22 |
Minerva Punjab | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | +5 | 18 |
Real Kashmir | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | +9 | 17 |
Mohammedan SC | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | +1 | 16 |
Gokulam Kerala FC | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | +6 | 16 |
TRAU FC | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | +4 | 16 |
Aizawl FC | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | +5 | 15 |
Sudeva | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 9 |
Chennai City | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | -12 | 9 |
NEROCA FC | 10 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -2 | 8 |
Indian Arrows | 10 | 1 | 1 | 8 | -25 | 4 |