Indian Football Roadmap Explained: promotion to start from this season while Relegation from 2024-25

Indian Football Roadmap Explained – Promotion to start from this season while Relegation from 2024-25: Moments after the FIFFA-AFC delegation concluded their visit to India, the Indian football fraternity became confused about the roadmap going forward. Worried I-League clubs were chasing shadows for clarification while AIFF maintained their silence ( Although Sunanda Dhar, Current GS, AIFF, and Kushal Das, former GS, AIFF have assured clubs that the roadmap, finalized in 2019, will remain the same. So, I-League 2022-23 winner will be promoted to ISL 2023-24 without paying any participation free. However, there was also confusion regarding the relegation as we explain all the perspectives below.

In 2019, the All Football Federation along with I-League and ISL clubs agreed upon the Roadmap proposed by Asian Football Confederation (AFC). As we inch closer to season 2022-23, I-League clubs were keen to understand whether the roadmap will continue to be implemented or not. We have so many young playing making permanent moves to the ISL franchise to fulfill their dreams.

I-League 2021-22 champions, Gokulam Kerala owner, VC Praveen asserted in frustration, ” We are facing difficulties preparing our squad. Not a single player has been selected for the national team as young players are leaving us to join ISL clubs. If these things continue, we should have the pre-2019 template where the I-League will be the top division of the country getting AFC Champions League slot (playoff). “

FIFA-AFC Stand on Indian Football Roadmap:

On the other hand, the FIFA-AFC delegation had a fruitful meeting with ISL and I-League clubs to discuss the ongoing situation ( Committee of Administrators running day-to-day affairs of AIFF) and also roadmap. The top representative of the delegation, John, ” As per we know, the current roadmap is going to continue. To have any changes on it, the new resolution has to be passed through the new executive Committee first. “

As things stand, the previously mentioned roadmap with continue where I-League 2022-23 champions will play in ISL 2023-24. The relegation in ISL will be introduced from the 2024-25 season. Numerous reports were claiming the change of roadmap, the promotion, and relegation starting this season. Eventually, it was confirmed that the mentioned roadmap is going to be continued until further notice.