The Indian football landscape has been divided for years. Two leagues, two formats, two philosophies.
Indian Super League (ISL) or I-League: Which one is the key to unlocking Indiaâs football potential?
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ISL brings exposure and money, while I-League focuses on history and local talent. Indiaâs football potential lies in combining ISLâs success with I-Leagueâs grassroots strength. They should complement, not compete.
The ISL and the I-League represent two distinct yet integral parts of Indian football. Both leagues have contributed to the sportâs growth in India, but they operate under different structures, governance models, and financial frameworks.
I-League: Established in 2007, the I-League operates under a traditional promotion and relegation system. It is governed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and features a round-robin format where teams compete for points throughout the season. The league has a history of fostering local talent and has deep-rooted clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan that connect with regional fan bases.
ISL: Launched in 2013, the ISL was designed to be a franchise-based league with a closed structure, similar to American sports leagues. Initially, it did not allow for promotion or relegation, which has been a point of contention among football purists. The league has attracted significant investment and international players, enhancing its visibility and commercial appeal[1][5]. However, it has been criticized for lacking a robust governance model compared to traditional leagues.
Revenue Generation: The ISL generates higher revenues through broadcasting rights and sponsorships compared to the I-League. For instance, while ISL matches are scheduled during prime viewing hours, maximizing audience reach, I-League games often take place at less favorable times. This disparity affects club revenues and their ability to attract talent.
Sustainability Concerns: Despite its financial advantages, questions remain about the ISLâs long-term sustainability due to its reliance on external funding and lack of a solid revenue-sharing model among clubs. In contrast, the I-League operates on a more modest budget but fosters community engagement and local support.
The ISLâs influx of foreign players has raised concerns about the development of local talent. While it provides exposure to higher levels of competition, it can limit opportunities for Indian players in starting positions. Conversely, the I-League focuses more on nurturing domestic talent through its competitive environment.
The AFC has recommended a merger between the ISL and I-League to create a unified league structure that includes promotion and relegation. This would align Indian football more closely with global standards and potentially enhance both leaguesâ competitiveness. The ongoing discussions aim to establish a clearer pathway for player development while ensuring financial stability for clubs across both leagues.
Both the ISL and I-League have unique strengths that contribute to Indian footballâs growth. The ISL offers commercial viability and international exposure, while the I-League emphasizes tradition, community engagement, and player development. A potential merger could harness the strengths of both leagues, fostering a more sustainable future for Indian football.
A 2019 roadmap was approved as a solution to the vexed issue of two leagues. The roadmap states that from 2022-23 I-League winners will get a direct entry into the Indian Super League (ISL), while relegation and promotion in the top-tier will start from the 2024-25 season.
Since then, though, not much has been heard.
âI-League clubs said at the meeting âhope there is no change in the roadmapâ. I-League clubs have been worried that the AIFF has not held any meetings to discuss the way forward. In media interviews, former general secretary Kushal Das and Sunando Dhar, now the acting general secretary, have both said that the roadmap will be implemented.
âThe clubs told the delegation that if the roadmap was not being implemented, then AIFF should go back to the pre 2019 system when I-League was the top-tier league and the champions got a place in the AFC Champions League (playoff). I-League is also considered as the top-tier league as per the new (draft) constitution,â said Gokulam Kerala FC owner VC Praveen.
Gokulam Kerala have won the I-League twice in a row, a record, and have ambitions of playing in the top tier. A hat-trick will get them there, but with AIFF dragging its feet, Praveen has reasons to worry.
âWhen we wrote to AIFF, Kushal (Das) said the roadmap is on. But why donât they have a meeting with us and put everything on record? We are lot of difficulties in preparing our teams. Our players are moving to ISL, saying they want to play for the national team. No player from the I-League is being selected. These were meant to be parallel leagues, but the rules, promotion, broadcast, everything is so unfair,â said Praveen.
The I-League clubs have now requested the Supreme Court-appointed committee of administrators (CoA) to convene an urgent meeting to discuss promotion and relegation, according to the roadmap.
Churchill Brothers CEO Valanka Alemao has been a vociferous supporter of one league and reiterated her demand when she met the FIFA-AFC delegation on Thursday.
âIn all the top leagues, there is promotion and relegation and the players play 40-45 matches a season, if not more, while in India, we play only a handful,â said Valanka. âWhy donât we club the two leagues and play as one? The new (AIFF) committee must sort this out. The current system is not doing anyone any good.
âAll players want to play in the ISL, so we have to reluctantly let them go. We understand the playersâ concerns and donât want to hamper their growth. The ISL has made lot of investments, but the need of the hour is to create a viable product.â
According to the roadmap, starting with the 2022-23 and 2023-2024 season, the winner of the I-League will be promoted to the ISL with no participation fee, if they meet the national club licensing criteria set out by the AIFF.
There will be no relegation in the ISL till 2024-25 when promotion and relegation in the top-tier league is implemented and the system of two parallel leagues is abolished.
While the ISL has attracted international talent, the focus on marquee players detracts from developing local talent. Without a robust youth development system integrated into both leagues, India risks stagnating in international competitions. The lack of a structured pathway for young players limits their opportunities to gain experience at higher levels.
Indian football needs both ISL and I-League, but ISLâs global recognition, financial muscle, and focus on youth development make it more crucial for Indiaâs football growth. ISLâs attracted top talent, increased quality, and opened international doors. However, I-Leagueâs local connectivity and grassroots appeal shouldnât be overlooked.
Ultimately, a balanced approach combining ISLâs financial might with I-Leagueâs regional expertise will propel Indian football forward.
