Sporting Club Bengaluru express willingness to join I-League 2025-26

I-League was set to kick off on 21 February.

Amid growing uncertainty over club participation across India’s football ecosystem, with speculation surrounding the readiness and continuity of a few clubs ahead of the new I-League season, Sporting Club Bengaluru have formally expressed their willingness to step into the I-League 2025–26 should a vacancy arise.

In a letter addressed to the All-India Football Federation (AIFF), the Bengaluru-based club has presented itself as a stable and prepared option, underlining its intent to help maintain continuity and uphold the league’s competitive integrity.

“In light of recent uncertainties surrounding club participation across divisions, we consider itappropriate to place on record that, in the event any vacancy arises in the I-League owing to withdrawal,non-participation or any other contingency, Sporting Club Bengaluru would be fully prepared andwilling to participate in the forthcoming I-League season. ” the letter said

Sporting Club Bengaluru’s stand

In their communication to AIFF, Sporting Club Bengaluru clearly stated that they would be ready to step in for the upcoming I-League season should any club withdraw or be unable to take part.

The club highlighted that it is operationally, financially and administratively equipped, and confident of meeting all regulatory and licensing requirements within the prescribed timelines.

This forward-looking approach underlines Sporting Club Bengaluru’s ambition to compete at a higher level, while also signaling their intent to play a constructive role in strengthening the domestic football structure at a time when league stability continues to be a pressing concern.

Sporting Club Bengaluru highlight earlier AIFF precedents

Sporting Club Bengaluru strengthened their case by pointing to similar situations handled by the federation in the past. They cited examples such as Kenkre FC’s reinstatement for the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons season following the non-participation of Chennai City FC & the discontinuation of Indian Arrows.

They also mentioned Aizawl FC’s return to the I-League in 2016–17 after withdrawal of three Goan clubs despite their prior relegation, as instances where AIFF stepped in to ensure league continuity.

Sporting Club Bengaluru noted that these decisions highlight the federation’s history of prioritizing sporting integrity and league stability when unforeseen vacancies have emerged.

“We submit that such an approach would be consistent with past precedent within Indian football, including the reinstatement of Kenkre FC in the 2021–22 season following the non-participation of Chennai City FC, and again in 2022–23 following the discontinuation of Indian Arrows; and the reinstatement of Aizawl FC in the 2016–17 season after the withdrawal of three Goan clubs despite their prior relegation.

These instances demonstrate that, where sporting vacancies have arisen, AIFF has exercised its discretion in the interest of league stability and sporting integrity,” the letter read.

By formally placing their interest on record, Sporting Club Bengaluru have signaled both ambition and responsibility. As Indian football navigates administrative and structural challenges ahead of the 2025–26 season, Sporting Club Bengaluru’s readiness offers AIFF a viable option to maintain competitive balance and league stability.

Should a vacancy arise, the ball is now firmly in the federation’s court to decide on a fair and precedent-consistent outcome.

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