Indian Football League (IFL) launches dynamic new logo to signal dawn of new era

I-League officially rebranded as Indian Football League (IFL) in landmark transformation

Indian football enters a new era as the I-League has officially transitioned into Indian Football League (IFL), marking a landmark rebrand in the competition’s history.

With a fresh identity and renewed vision, the league is set to make its much-anticipated return on February 27, promising an exciting new chapter for clubs, players, and fans across the country.

“There has been negativity surrounding the I-League, so we wanted to usher in a new era,” said Arshad Shawl, the owner of Real Kashmir FC, regarding the rebranding the league.

“We wanted to give it shape and structure. This has been a league that’s been around for many years, this is the league that created the club culture in India. Considering the issues we have faced in Indian football recently, we wanted to give it a professional look.”

“We had requested last year itself a model similar to how the English clubs run the league,” said the owner of Gokulam Kerala.

I-League becomes Indian Football League (IFL) with new ownership structure

The second-division competition will now be known as the Indian Football League, marking a significant shift in both identity and structure.

Along with a new name, the league will also operate under a revamped ownership model, giving clubs a greater role in its growth. Participating clubs will collectively hold a 60 per cent stake, the new commercial partner will own 30 per cent, while the federation will retain the remaining 10 per cent.

The action begins tomorrow with two fixtures: Namdhari FC face Aizawl FC, while Chanmari FC take on Gokulam Kerala FC.

Also Read: Indian Football League fixtures announced

Beginning of a new era

Clubs had wrapped up their signings and put their squads together with hopes of kicking off the I-League as early as October last year.

But uncertainty surrounding the Indian football calendar created a ripple effect. What was first delayed to November was eventually put on hold indefinitely, leaving teams and players in limbo.

Over the years, the I-League has often found itself playing second fiddle, even within its own system under the All-India Football Federation. In the past decade, it has seen its top-division status change hands, with several legacy clubs and leading players making the move to ISL.

Yet, despite the setbacks, the league has endured. With a renewed structure and fresh intent, it now has the opportunity to rebuild, reassert its identity, and step confidently into a stronger and more stable future.

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