I-League set for new format as clubs propose name change to ‘Indian Football League’

AIFF’s Executive Committee has been asked to approve a revised competition format for the 2025–26 season and confirmation of the Governing Council and Managing Committee.

After outlining a proposed participation and governance framework for the I-League, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken the next formal step by placing key I-League matters before its Executive Committee (ExCo) for approval.

The document sent for approval to all Exco members access by Khel Now, dated 28 January 2026, follows a joint meeting between I-League clubs and AIFF officials held on January 27, and seeks urgent ExCo clearance to allow clubs to move ahead with planning for the 2025–26 season

Aizwal FC, Churchill Brothers and Chanmari FC did not attend the meeting, which has also raised concerns about their participation. 

In simple terms, this is the transition from framework to implementation.

Why this ExCo approval matters

While the earlier I-League participation framework laid out how the league should function in principle, this ExCo note focuses on who will run it, how it will be structured, and what form the competition will take in the upcoming season.

Without Executive Committee approval, none of these decisions can be formally operationalised.

1. Governing Council: Clubs take the lead

The document confirms the composition of the I-League Governing Council, reinforcing the earlier club-led governance model.

Confirmed club representatives

The Governing Council will include representatives from:

• Gokulam Kerala FC
• Namdhari FC
• Rajasthan United FC
• Diamond Harbour FC
• Real Kashmir FC
• Shillong Lajong FC
• Sreenidi Deccan FC
• Aizawl FC
• Dempo SC

AIFF representatives on the Governing Council will be appointed separately by the AIFF President and Executive Committee.

Why this matters

This formally establishes clubs as the primary decision-makers within the I-League’s top governance body, aligning with the proposed “one club, one voice” philosophy.

2. Management Committee: Operational control defined

The document also confirms the Management Committee, which will handle day-to-day operational matters.

Club members on the Management Committee

• Real Kashmir FC
• Gokulam Kerala FC
• Shillong Lajong FC
• Rajasthan United FC
• Diamond Harbour FC

AIFF’s role

AIFF officials will sit on the Management Committee in an ex officio capacity, including:

• Secretary General
• Deputy Secretary General
• Leagues COO
• Strategy Head

Why this matters

This reinforces the earlier framework’s intent:

• Clubs manage operations
• AIFF oversees regulation and compliance, not daily control

3. Possible rebranding: I-League to “Indian Football League”

One of the more striking points in the ExCo note is the clubs’ proposal to change the league’s name from I-League to Indian Football League.

What this signals

• A possible attempt to reposition and refresh the league’s identity
• Greater alignment with long-term commercial and branding ambitions
• However, this remains only a proposal, subject to ExCo approval

4. Competition format for 2025–26 season

Clubs also lay out a new two-stage competition format for the upcoming season.

Stage 1: League stage

• All confirmed clubs
• Single-leg round-robin

Stage 2: Split format

• Top six teams → Home & Away Championship Round
• Bottom five teams → Centralised Relegation Round
• Points from Stage 1 carry forward to Stage 2

Season start date

• February 21, 2026

Why this matters

This format:

• Maintains competitive relevance throughout the season
• Reduces dead rubbers
• Introduces a clearer sporting narrative for title and survival battles

5. Tight timelines, clear urgency

AIFF has asked the Executive Committee to provide approval by January 31, 2026, citing the need for clubs to:

• Finalise budgets
• Plan logistics
• Begin commercial and operational preparations

This highlights how close the league is to execution mode.

How does this fit into the bigger I-League picture

Taken together with the proposed I-League participation framework, this document shows that AIFF is:

• Moving quickly from concept to structure
• Empowering clubs through governance bodies
• Retaining oversight without day-to-day interference
• Experimenting with both format innovation and possible rebranding

It also underlines how differently the I-League is being handled compared to the ISL, where governance remains far more centralised and approval-driven.

What happens next

Once approved by the Executive Committee:

• The Governing Council and Management Committee can formally begin work
• Competition regulations and season planning can be finalised
• Commercial and operational execution for the 2025–26 season can move forward

Bottom line

This ExCo approval note is not just procedural. It represents the first real test of AIFF’s proposed club-led I-League model.

If approved as presented, the 2025–26 season could mark a significant shift in how the I-League is governed, branded, and run on the ground.