NEROCA FC and TRAU FC relegated from I-League

The two clubs finished bottom of the table last season in I-League.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday confirmed the relegation of NEROCA FC and TRAU FC from the I-League after the two Manipur clubs finished at the bottom of the 2023-24 season.

This relegation comes after a tumultuous season for both clubs. NEROCA FC, despite having a match remaining, could only muster 14 points from 13 games, leaving them firmly in the relegation zone. TRAU FC fared slightly better with 13 points from 22 matches, but two remaining fixtures weren’t enough to escape the drop.

The decision came despite an appeal from the Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who had sought an exemption for the two Imphal-based clubs due to ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei groups in the state since May last year.

The relegation is a significant setback for Manipuri football. Both NEROCA and TRAU have become synonymous with the state’s footballing passion in recent years. They’ve provided a platform for local talent and have been fierce competitors in the league.

“I feel that the situation that both clubs face themselves in is a very unique one and something beyond anyone’s control. I shall be very grateful if you could kindly consider retaining TRAU FC and NEROCA FC in the First Division of the I-League,” the Manipur CM wrote in a letter to AIFF on 8 March.

The Chief Minister also added that the past year had been a challenging one for the entire state due to the civil unrest. He cited this unrest as a leading factor in the poor performance of both teams, as there was minimal home support, and also the family members of the players had been severely affected, leading to their inability to perform well on the field.

It is interesting to note that whilst NEROCA finished just one spot above the relegation zone last season, TRAU were fourth in the points table, playing some of the most incredible football in the league.

AIFF’s statement

“The All India Football Federation has decided to impose relegation in the I-League 2023-24 as per the rules and regulations,” the AIFF said in a release.

This decision marks the second consecutive season, wherein the relegation system has been imposed on the I-League. In the 2022-23 season, Kenkre and Sudeva Delhi were relegated to the I-League 2. 

There’s a glimmer of hope though. Both clubs have expressed their desire to fight their way back to the I-League. The upcoming I-League 2nd Division, the third tier of Indian football, provides a path for promotion. However, the road back won’t be easy.

For now, NEROCA and TRAU FC face the challenge of bouncing back from relegation. Their journey back to the I-League will be closely watched by fans not just in Manipur but across the Indian footballing landscape.

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