Exclusive: Dempo looking for way back into the I-League

The Eagles are the most successful club in the history of the I-League.

In a recent development in Indian football, Dempo SC are set to make a comeback to the top flight of the country’s footballing pyramid, Khel Now understands.

Dempo were among the thee Goan sides who left the I-League at the end of 2016. The Panaji based club cited AIFF’s lack of future insight and called it ‘pointless’ to continue in the I-League.

"There is a thought of getting back into the I-League. But it's a long process before it materializes and we are thinking of all options before taking a decision," told one senior member from the club who did not want to be named, considering the sensitivity of the issue.

The Golden Eagles have won the National Football League and the I-league a record five times under the guidance of veteran coach Armando Colaco. They won the first I-League trophy in its inaugural season back in 2007-08 season. The club from Goa also achieved a great feat by finishing as a semi-finalist in AFC Cup back in 2008.

Since their quitting, the club have been plying their trade in the local Goa Professional League where they have been a force to reckon with. Reports of these games can be found here.

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In their absence, the I-League have seen two fairytale runs as Aizawl FC and Minerva Punjab FC won the title in two back to back seasons. The Kolkata clubs have also secured a single trophy along with Bengaluru FC who also won two. Meanwhile, Churchill Brothers, the representative from Goa have failed miserably to mark the league and was relegated at the end of the recently concluded season.

It will be interesting for Dempo, the fans and for the whole football fraternity to watch the great club back in I-League action again from next season. Dempo are currently in the second place in Goa Pro League as they are chasing league leaders Sporting Clube de Goa under the guidance of coach Samir Naik.