:I-League

In 1996, the first domestic league was started in India, known as the National Football League,{{cite web |title=Indian National League (I-League) 2011–12 Season Review |url=http://www.goaldentimes.org/indian-national-league-i-league-2011-12-season-review/ |website=Goalden Times |date=6 July 2012 |access-date=11 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007072457/http://www.goaldentimes.org/indian-national-league-i-league-2011-12-season-review/ |archive-date=7 October 2015 |url-status=live }} in an effort to introduce professionalism in Indian football. Despite that ambition, that has not been achieved to this date. During the National Football League days, the league suffered from poor infrastructure and unprofessionalism from its clubs. One of the clubs in the league, FC Kochin, went defunct in 2002 after it was revealed that the club had not paid salaries since 2000, after making up 2.5 crores of losses in a season.{{cite web |last1=Radhakrishnan |first1=M.G. |title=The final whistle |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/first-indian-professional-football-club-fc-kochin-faces-closure-as-players-migrate/1/219886.html |website=India Today |date=6 May 2002 |access-date=11 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717065437/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/first-indian-professional-football-club-fc-kochin-faces-closure-as-players-migrate/1/219886.html |archive-date=17 July 2014 |url-status=live }}

After a decade of decline with the National Football League, the All India Football Federation decided it was time for a change. This resulted in the modern day iteration of the top-tier in India.{{cite web |title=History |url=http://ileague.in/history/ |website=ileague.in |access-date=11 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716214408/http://ileague.in/history/ |archive-date=16 July 2014 |url-status=usurped }}

After the 2006–07 NFL season, it was announced that it would be rebranded as the I-League for the 2007–08 season.{{cite web |title=AIFF's I-League to have 10 teams |url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2007/nov/21aiff.htm |website=Rediff |access-date=11 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924162341/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2007/nov/21aiff.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live }} The league's first season consisted of eight teams from the previous NFL campaign and two teams from the 2nd Division to form a 10 team league. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the title sponsors of the previous NFL, were named as the title sponsors of the I-League before the league kicked off in November 2007.{{cite news |last1=Amin-ul Islam |first1=Mohammad |title=I-League partners ONGC cry foul |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/I-League-partners-ONGC-cry-foul/articleshow/2579593.cms |website=Times of India |date=28 November 2007 |access-date=11 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928143611/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/I-League-partners-ONGC-cry-foul/articleshow/2579593.cms |archive-date=28 September 2018 |url-status=live }} The league also announced a change in their foreign-player restrictions with the new rule being that all the clubs could sign four foreigners – three non-Asian and one which must be Asian.{{cite web |title=I-League Clubs have Too Many Foreigners: Bhutia |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/ILeague-Clubs-have-Too-Many-Foreigners-Bhutia/668120 |website=Outlook India |access-date=11 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716233754/http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/ILeague-Clubs-have-Too-Many-Foreigners-Bhutia/668120 |archive-date=16 July 2014 |url-status=live }} The league also announced that, for the first season, matches will be broadcast on Zee Sports.{{cite web |title=Zee Sports, AIFF ready with ONGC I-League |url=http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2007/print.php?id=1195724736 |website=Televisionpoint |access-date=11 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322125703/http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2007/print.php?id=1195724736 |archive-date=22 March 2012}}

The original ten clubs in the I-League's first season were Air India, Churchill Brothers, Dempo, East Bengal, JCT, Mahindra United, Mohun Bagan, Salgaocar, Sporting Goa and Viva Kerala.

The first I-League match took place on 24 November 2007 between Dempo and Salgaocar. The match, which took place at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao, ended 3–0 in favour of Dempo with Chidi Edeh scoring the first goal in league history in the third minute.{{cite web |title=Dempo beat Salgaocar 3–0 with Chidi's brace |url=http://news.oneindia.in/2007/11/24/dempo-beat-salgaocar-3-0-with-chidis-brace-1195916716.html |website=ONE India |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717080112/http://news.oneindia.in/2007/11/24/dempo-beat-salgaocar-3-0-with-chidis-brace-1195916716.html |archive-date=17 July 2014 |url-status=live }} After eighteen rounds it was Dempo who came out as the first champions in the I-League.{{cite news |title=Dempo SC is I-League champion |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/dempo-sc-is-ileague-champion/article3336931.ece |website=The Hindu |date=20 April 2012 |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217162307/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/dempo-sc-is-ileague-champion/article3336931.ece |url-status=live }} Viva Kerala and Salgaocar, however, ended up as the first two teams to ever be relegated from the I-League.{{cite web |title=Salgaocar, Viva Kerala relegated from I-League |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/salgaocar-viva-kerala-relegated-from-i-league_10018495.html |website=www.theindian.com |publisher=Tha Indian |date=17 February 2008| access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717185553/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/salgaocar-viva-kerala-relegated-from-i-league_10018495.html |archive-date=17 July 2014 |location=Margao, Goa|url-status=dead}}

The next season the I-League was expanded from 10 to 12 teams. Mumbai, Chirag United, Mohammedan, and Vasco were all promoted from the I-League 2 to make the expansion possible.{{cite web |last1=Rajan |first1=P Sujesh |title=Is the I-League a national tournament? |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/is-the-ileague-a-national-tournament-/364621/ |website=Indian Express |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140717164438/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/is-the-ileague-a-national-tournament-/364621/ |archive-date=17 July 2014 |url-status=live }} This however brought up early concerns over how "national" the I-League was. The 2008–09 season would see eleven of the twelve teams come from three different cities. The previous season saw all ten teams come from four different cities. Bhaichung Bhutia, then captain of the India national team, said that it was the federations job to spread the game across the country and that it needed to happen.

Regardless of the early criticism, the I-League went on as scheduled and once the 2008–09 season concluded. it was Churchill Brothers who came out on top.{{cite web |title=Young Brothers outlast their elders |url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-996-0-0-0&sID=12633&articleID=8880625&news_task=DETAIL |website=FOX Sports |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720150848/http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-996-0-0-0&sID=12633&articleID=8880625&news_task=DETAIL |archive-date=20 July 2014 |url-status=live }} Then, before the 2009–10 season, the league was once again expanded from 12 teams to 14. In order to make this happen Salgaocar, Viva Kerala, Pune, and Shillong Lajong were all promoted from the 2nd Division to the I-League.{{cite web |title=Shillong's Lajong FC defy odds |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090419/jsp/sports/story_10842811.jsp |website=Telegraph India |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716173547/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090419/jsp/sports/story_10842811.jsp |archive-date=16 July 2014 |url-status=dead }} This helped the I-League retain some criticism about how national the league was as now the league would be played in seven different cities/states: Goa, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Punjab, and Shillong.

After the 2009–10 season it was Dempo who came out on top for the second time in I-League history.

On 9 December 2010 the All India Football Federation signed a 15-year, 700-crore deal with Reliance Industries and International Management Group of the United States.{{cite news |title=AIFF signs 700-crore deal with IMG-RIL |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/AIFF-signs-700-crore-deal-with-IMG-RIL/articleshow/7072492.cms?referral=PM |website=Times of India | date=9 December 2010 |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530143649/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/AIFF-signs-700-crore-deal-with-IMG-RIL/articleshow/7072492.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=30 May 2014 |url-status=live }} The deal gave IMG-Reliance exclusive commercial rights to sponsorship, advertising, broadcasting, merchandising, video, franchising, and rights to create a new football league. This deal came about after the AIFF ended their 10-year deal with Zee Sports five years early.{{cite web |title=AIFF approaches Jindal, Videocon to sponsor I-League |url=http://topnews.in/sports/aiff-approaches-jindal-videocon-sponsor-i-league-214114 |website=Top News |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026065117/http://topnews.in/sports/aiff-approaches-jindal-videocon-sponsor-i-league-214114 |archive-date=26 October 2014 |url-status=live }}

Two months later, on 8 February 2011, it was reported that twelve of the fourteen I-League clubs held a private meeting in Mumbai to discuss the ongoing issues related to the league.{{cite web |last1=Sengupta |first1=Somnath |title=Indian Football : BREAKING NEWS (8th February, 2012) : I-League Clubs On War Path With AIFF? |url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/indian-football-breaking-news-8th-february-2012-i-league-clubs-on-war-path-with-aiff/ |website=The Hard Tackle |date=8 February 2012 |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314133754/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/indian-football-breaking-news-8th-february-2012-i-league-clubs-on-war-path-with-aiff/ |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=live }} It was never revealed what was exactly talked about at this meeting. Then, on 22 February, it was announced that the same twelve I-League clubs that attended the meeting would not be signing the AFC–licensing papers needed to play in the I-League.{{cite news |title=I-League clubs refuse to accept AIFF diktat |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/I-League-clubs-refuse-to-accept-AIFF-diktat/articleshow/11982740.cms |website=Times of India |date=22 February 2012 |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316032301/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/I-League-clubs-refuse-to-accept-AIFF-diktat/articleshow/11982740.cms |archive-date=16 March 2012 |url-status=live }} The reasoning for this was because the I-League clubs were not happy over the fact that IMG-Reliance had so far done nothing to promote the I-League and that they demanded the I-League be made a separate entity from both the AIFF and IMG-Reliance. At this time however there were rumours that IMG-Reliance had been planning on revamping the I-League along the same lines as Major League Soccer of the United States for the 2012–13 season.

On 11 March 2012, following the disbanding of two former I-League clubs – JCT and Mahindra United, it was announced that the I-League clubs would be forming their own organization known as the Indian Professional Football Clubs Association (IPFCA) in order to safeguard their interest and promote football in India.{{cite web |title=I-League club owners press for sustainable revenue model |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/article2982415.ece |website=The Hindu |date=11 March 2012 |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314144740/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/article2982415.ece |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=live }} Every club, except for HAL and AIFF–owned Pailan Arrows, joined the newly formed organization. Soon after, it was announced that there would be a meeting held between the AIFF, IMG-Reliance, and the IPFCA on 20 April 2012. In this meeting, IMG-Reliance would present their plan on how they would grow the I-League but the meeting never occurred for reasons unknown.{{cite web |last1=Bali |first1=Rahul |title=AIFF and IMG-Reliance's 'Slack' behaviour results in no plan on Indian football being presented |url=http://m.goal.com/s/en-india/news/3059078 |website=Goal.com |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314141014/http://m.goal.com/s/en-india/news/3059078 |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=live }}

Then, on 4 May 2012, the AIFF hosted the last ad hoc meeting – an annual meeting between the AFC and AIFF to assess the growth of Indian football. The AFC president at the time, Zhang Jilong, was also in attendance at this meeting.{{cite web |last1=Bali |first1=Rahul |title=AFC president Zhang Jilong greeted with I-League clubs' absence |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2012/05/05/3081509/afc-president-zhang-jilong-greeted-with-i-league-clubs |website=Goal.com |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303103939/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2012/05/05/3081509/afc-president-zhang-jilong-greeted-with-i-league-clubs |archive-date=3 March 2015 |url-status=live }} It was reported that the IPFCA would use this meeting to voice their displeasure at the AIFF and IMG-Reliance but the association never showed up at the meeting.

On 18 June 2012 the IPFCA was officially sanctioned under the Society's Act of 1960.{{cite web |title=IPFCA office bearers nominated |url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/ipfca-office-bearers-nominated/ |website=SportsKeeda |date=16 June 2012 |access-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716061923/http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/ipfca-office-bearers-nominated/ |archive-date=16 July 2014 |url-status=live }}

Despite the ongoing war between the AIFF, IMG-Reliance, and the IPFCA, the league did manage to improve its product on the field and awareness did increase during this period. It all started when the India national team participated in the AFC Asian Cup in 2011 for the first time in 27 years.{{cite web |title=After 27 years, India bids to make mark on Asian Cup |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/595840/after-27-years-india-bids-to-make-mark-on-asian-cup |website=Dawn |date=3 January 2011 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719002853/http://www.dawn.com/news/595840/after-27-years-india-bids-to-make-mark-on-asian-cup |archive-date=19 July 2014 |url-status=live }} Despite being knocked-out in the group stage after losing all three of their games, India came back home more popular than ever. Subrata Pal, of Pune gained the most popularity after his impressive performances in goal for India during the Asian Cup.{{cite web |title=Subrata Pal the spiderman on trial in Germany |url=http://www.indianfootballnetwork.com/blog/2012/07/17/subrata-pal-the-spiderman-on-trial-in-germany/ |website=Indian Football Network |date=17 July 2012 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314144327/http://www.indianfootballnetwork.com/blog/2012/07/17/subrata-pal-the-spiderman-on-trial-in-germany/ |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=live }} At the same time, before the Asian Cup, Sunil Chhetri became the second Indian footballer in the modern footballing era to move abroad when he signed for the Kansas City Wizards in Major League Soccer in 2010. He also became the first exported Indian from the I-League.{{cite web |title=KC Wizards sign Sunil Chhetri – will be first Indian player to play in MLS |url=http://theoriginalwinger.com/2010-03-26-kc-wizards-sign-sunil-chhetri-will-be-first-indian-player-to-play-in-mls |website=The Original Winger |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314135603/http://theoriginalwinger.com/2010-03-26-kc-wizards-sign-sunil-chhetri-will-be-first-indian-player-to-play-in-mls |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}

The league was then given a major boost from its main derby, the Kolkata derby, between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. On 20 November 2011, 90,000 people watched at the Salt Lake Stadium as Mohun Bagan defeated East Bengal 1–0.{{cite web |last1=Ghoshal |first1=Amoy |title=Mohun Bagan 1–0 East Bengal – Marines Go Second As Trevor Morgan Suffers First Derby Defeat |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/mohun-bagan-vs-east-bengal/1215860/report |website=Goal.com |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303103930/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/mohun-bagan-vs-east-bengal/1215860/report |archive-date=3 March 2015 |url-status=live }} The league also saw more expansion to others areas with the promotion of United Sikkim from the 2nd Division,{{cite web |last1=Mangar |first1=Nirmal |title=United Sikkim enters I-League – Draw for Bhaichung boys |url=http://www.samachar.com/united-sikkim-enters-i-league-meseLqghgfc.html |website=Samachar |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716072158/http://www.samachar.com/united-sikkim-enters-i-league-meseLqghgfc.html |archive-date=16 July 2014 |url-status=dead }} however, their reign was short lived as financial troubles saw them relegated the next season.{{cite web |last1=Srivastava |first1=Ayush |title=Club management to blame for United Sikkim's relegation |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2013/04/22/3921495/club-management-to-blame-for-united-sikkims-relegation |website=Goal.com |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303103956/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2013/04/22/3921495/club-management-to-blame-for-united-sikkims-relegation |archive-date=3 March 2015 |url-status=live }}

Meanwhile, while the league continued to grow, so did the players' demand. During this period plenty of Indian players were wanted on trial by foreign clubs, mainly in Europe. After his return from MLS, Sunil Chhetri and international teammate Jeje Lalpekhlua were called for trials at Scottish Premier League side Rangers in 2011.{{cite news |title=Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sunil Chhetri at Glasgow Rangers |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Jeje-Lalpekhlua-Sunil-Chhetri-at-Glasgow-Rangers/articleshow/10886660.cms |website=Times of India |date=27 November 2011 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921020245/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Jeje-Lalpekhlua-Sunil-Chhetri-at-Glasgow-Rangers/articleshow/10886660.cms |archive-date=21 September 2014 |url-status=live }} Subrata Pal had trials at RB Leipzig before finally signing for Vestsjælland in 2014.{{cite news |title=Subrata Paul signs 6-month contract with FC Vikings |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Subrata-Paul-signs-6-month-contract-with-FC-Vikings/articleshow/29618387.cms |website=Times of India |date=30 January 2014 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920154544/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Subrata-Paul-signs-6-month-contract-with-FC-Vikings/articleshow/29618387.cms |archive-date=20 September 2014 |url-status=live }} And Gurpreet Singh Sandhu underwent trials at then Premier League side Wigan Athletic and finally signing for Stabæk Fotball, Norway in 2014.{{cite web |title=Gurpreet Singh Sandhu set for a trial cum training stint with Wigan Athletic |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2012/07/15/3243610/gurpreet-singh-sandhu-set-for-a-trial-cum-training-stint |website=Goal.com |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303102418/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2012/07/15/3243610/gurpreet-singh-sandhu-set-for-a-trial-cum-training-stint |archive-date=3 March 2015 |url-status=live }}

At the same time, as Indian players demand abroad increased, the demand for higher quality foreigners in the I-League also increased. Former A-League player of the year and Costa Rican international Carlos Hernández signed with Prayag United before the 2012–13 season from the Melbourne Victory.{{cite web |title=Carlos signs one year deal with Prayag United |url=http://www.indiansportsnews.com/top-stories/15302-carlos-signs-one-year-deal-with-prayag.html |website=Indian Sports News |date=27 June 2012 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314132919/http://www.indiansportsnews.com/top-stories/15302-carlos-signs-one-year-deal-with-prayag.html |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=live }} Lebanese international Bilal Najjarine also signed with Churchill Brothers in 2012.{{cite web |last1=Srivastava |first1=Ayush |title=Lebanese defender Bilal Najjarin leaves Churchill Brothers |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2013/01/24/3697682/lebanese-defender-bilal-najjarin-leaves-churchill-brothers |website=Goal.com |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303103935/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2013/01/24/3697682/lebanese-defender-bilal-najjarin-leaves-churchill-brothers |archive-date=3 March 2015 |url-status=live }}

On 18 May 2016, IMG–Reliance, along with the AIFF and I-League representatives met during a meeting in Mumbai. At the meeting, it was proposed that starting from the 2017–18 season, the Indian Super League becomes the top-tier football league in India while the I-League gets relegated to the second tier, but the idea was not entertained by the I-League representatives.{{cite news|last1=Mergulhao|first1=Marcus|title=I-League is dead, long live the ISL: AIFF|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/I-League-is-dead-long-live-the-ISL-AIFF/articleshow/52320019.cms|access-date=13 August 2017|work=The Times of India|date=18 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012020309/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/I-League-is-dead-long-live-the-ISL-AIFF/articleshow/52320019.cms|archive-date=12 October 2017|url-status=live}}

In 2017, FIFA and the AFC had appointed a committee to look at the footballing landscape in the country which was in disarray due to two simultaneous leagues running together, and come up with solutions to re-establish a singular league pyramid which would be acceptable for everyone.{{cite web |last1=Ojha |first1=Chiranjit |title=REVEALED - AFC and FIFA's complete blueprint for re-structuring ISL, I-League and Indian football |url=https://thefangarage.com/articles/14611-revealed--afc-and-fifas-complete-blueprint-for-re-structuring-isl-i-league-and-indian-football |website=The Fan Garage |date=16 May 2018 |access-date=22 April 2022 |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422111652/https://thefangarage.com/articles/14611-revealed--afc-and-fifas-complete-blueprint-for-re-structuring-isl-i-league-and-indian-football |url-status=live }} In the month of June, IMG–Reliance, the AIFF and the I-League representatives, met with the AFC in Kuala Lumpur in order to find a new way forward for Indian football.{{cite news|title=Still no consensus on ISL, I-League merger despite high-profile meet|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/still-no-consensus-on-isl-i-league-merger-despite-high-profile-meet/articleshow/59038000.cms|access-date=13 August 2017|work=The Times of India|date=7 June 2017|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703151254/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/still-no-consensus-on-isl-i-league-merger-despite-high-profile-meet/articleshow/59038000.cms|url-status=live}} The AFC were against allowing the ISL as the premier league in India while the clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan wanted a complete merger of ISL and I-League. A couple weeks later, the AIFF proposed that both ISL and I-League run simultaneously on a short–term basis with the I-League champions retaining the spot for the AFC Champions League qualifying stage, while the AFC Cup qualifying stage spot going to the ISL champions.{{cite news|title=ISL gets official recognition from AFC, becomes second national football league|url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-gets-official-recognition-from-afc-becomes-second-national-football-league-3755201.html|access-date=13 August 2017|work=FirstPost|date=28 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102044117/http://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-gets-official-recognition-from-afc-becomes-second-national-football-league-3755201.html|archive-date=2 January 2018|url-status=live}} The proposal from the AIFF was officially approved by the AFC on 25 July 2017, with the ISL replacing the domestic cup competition, the Federation Cup.{{cite news|date=25 July 2017|title=AFC competitions committee's decisions published|work=The Asian Football Confederation|url=http://www.the-afc.com/media-releases/afc-competitions-committee%E2%80%99s-decisions-published|url-status=live|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816010704/http://www.the-afc.com/media-releases/afc-competitions-committee%E2%80%99s-decisions-published|archive-date=16 August 2017}}

On 14 October 2019, the AFC held a summit in Kuala Lumpur, chaired by the AFC Secretary General Windsor John, which involved key stakeholders from the AIFF, the FSDL, the ISL and the I-League clubs, and other major stakeholders to propose a new roadmap to facilitate the football league system in India.{{cite web |last1=Ojha |first1=Chiranjit |title=REVEALED: Inside the AFC-AIFF meeting that transformed ISL, I-League and Indian football |url=https://thefangarage.com/articles/18145-revealed-inside-the-afc-aiff-meeting-that-transformed-isl-i-league-and-indian-football |website=The Fan Garage |date=14 October 2021 |access-date=22 April 2022 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531133432/https://thefangarage.com/articles/18145-revealed-inside-the-afc-aiff-meeting-that-transformed-isl-i-league-and-indian-football |url-status=live }} Based on the roadmap that was prepared by the AFC and the AIFF at the summit and was finally approved by the AFC Executive Committee on 26 October in Da Nang, in 2019–20 season, ISL will attain the country's top-tier league status, allowing the ISL premiers to play AFC Champions League and the I-League champions to play AFC Cup.{{cite web |title=AFC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE APPROVE INDIAN FOOTBALL ROADMAP |url=https://www.the-aiff.com/article/afc-executive-committee-approve-indian-football-roadmap |website=The AIFF |access-date=22 April 2022 |archive-date=17 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917202459/https://www.the-aiff.com/article/afc-executive-committee-approve-indian-football-roadmap |url-status=live }} In addition, starting with the 2022–23 season, I-League will lose the top-tier status, wherein the champion of the I-League will stand a chance to be promoted to the ISL with no participation fee. In its recommendation for 2024–25, it was agreed to fully implement promotion and relegation between the two leagues, and abolition of parallel league system.{{cite web |title=New roadmap for Indian football proposes Hero ISL as premier league |url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/new-roadmap-for-indian-football-proposes-hero-isl-as-premier-league |website=Indian Super League |date=14 October 2019 |access-date=22 April 2022 |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101060825/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/new-roadmap-for-indian-football-proposes-hero-isl-as-premier-league |url-status=live }}

Since the league began in 2007, the rules have changed over the years. Each club plays each other twice during the season, once at home and the other time away. At the end of the season, the club with the most points wins the league and gains promotion to the top flight Indian Super League. In the case of a tie, head-to-head record and the goal difference are looked.{{cite web |title=2015–16 Regulations |url=https://www.the-aiff.com/downloaddocumentlibrary.php?id=83 |website=The All India Football Federation |access-date=27 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221055142/https://www.the-aiff.com/downloaddocumentlibrary.php?id=83 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |url-status=live }}

{{Further|2025–26 I-League}}

{{Location map+

|India3

|float=right

|width=390

|caption=Locations of the I-League clubs

|places=

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=23.73 |long=92.72 |label= {{nowrap|Aizawl}}|mark=Red pog.svg|position=right}}

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=15.25 |long=73.95 |label=

{{nowrap|Dempo}}|mark=Red pog.svg|position=right}}

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=22.1191009 |long=88.190474 |label_size=90 |label=Diamond
Harbour |position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=25.318889 |long=83.012778 |label=

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=30.88 |long=76.06 |label=

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=25.58 |long=91.89 |label=

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=17.38 |long=78.49 |label=

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=26.90 |long=75.80 |label=

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=23.1645 |long=92.9376|label=Chanmari|mark=Red pog.svg|position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=11.25 |long=75.77 |label=

{{Location map~ |India3 |lat=34.07 |long=74.82 |label=

}}

A total of 42 clubs have participated so far in the I-League since its inception from 2007, up to the 2025–26 season.

The following is a list of clubs that have played in the I-League at any time since its formation in 2007 to the current season. Teams playing in the next season are indicated in bold.

{{As of|2025}}

{{Notelist}}

DateFormat = yyyy

ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:20

Period = from:2007 till:2026

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal

Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom

PlotArea = right:70 left:0 bottom:75 top:0 #> to display a count on left side of graph, use "left:20" to suppress the count, use "left:20"<#

Colors =

id:line value:pink

id:Full value:rgb(0.742,0.727,0.852) legend:League_member

id:Former value:rgb(0.4,0.80,0.67) legend:Former_member

id:Future value:rgb(0.5,0.7,0.95) legend:Future_member

id:Other value:rgb(0.996,0.996,0.699) legend:Other_leagues

PlotData=

width:15 textcolor:black shift:(5,-5) anchor:from fontsize:S

bar:1 color:Full from:2007 till:2014 text: Churchill Brothers (2007–2014)

bar:1 color:Full from:2016 till:end text: Churchill Brothers (2016–2025)

bar:1 color:Other from:2025 till:end text: ISL

bar:2 color:Former from:2007 till:2020 text: Mohun Bagan (2007–2020)

bar:2 color:Other from:2020 till:end text: ISL

bar:3 color:Former from:2007 till:2020 text: East Bengal (2007–2020)

bar:3 color:Other from:2020 till:end text: ISL

bar:4 color:Full from:2007 till:2016 text: Dempo (2007–2016)

bar:4 color:Other from:2016 till:2022 text: Goa Pro League

bar:4 color:Other from:2022 till:2024 text: IL-2

bar:4 color:Full from:2024 till:end text: Dempo (2024–present)

bar:5 color:Former from:2007 till:2008: text: [(i)]

bar:5 color:Other from:2008 till:2009 text: IL-2

bar:5 color:Former from:2009 till:2016 text: [(ii)] Salgaocar •(i) (2007–2008) •(ii) (2009-2016)

bar:5 color:Other from:2016 till:end text: Goa Pro League

bar:6 color:Former from:2007 till:2016 text: Sporting Goa (2007–2016)

bar:6 color:Other from:2016 till:end text: Goa Pro League

bar:7 color:Former from:2007 till:2013 text: Air India (2007–2013)

bar:7 color:Other from:2013 till:end text: Mumbai Football League

bar:8 color:Former from:2007 till:2011 text: JCT (2007–2011)

bar:9 color:Former from:2007 till:2010 text: Mahindra United (2007–2010)

bar:10 color:Former from:2007 till:2012 text: Viva Kerala (2007–2012)

bar:11 color:Former from:2008 till:2017 text: Mumbai (2008-2017)

bar:11 color:Other from:2007 till:2008 text: IL-2

bar:12 color:Other from:2007 till:2008 text: IL-2

bar:12 color:Former from:2008 till:2014 text: United SC(2008–2014)

bar:12 color:Other from:2014 till:2015 text: IL-2

bar:12 color:Other from:2022 till:2023 text: IL-2

bar:12 color:Other from:2015 till:2022 text: Calcutta Football League

bar:13 color:Other from:2007 till:2008 text: IL-2

bar:13 color:Former from:2008 till:2009 text: [(iii)]

bar:13 color:Other from:2009 till:2013 text: IL-2 •(iii) Mohammedan (2008–2009)

bar:13 color:Former from:2013 till:2014 text: [(iv)]

bar:13 color:Other from:2014 till:2020 text: IL-2 •(iv) Mohammedan (2013–2014)

bar:13 color:Former from:2020 till:2024 text: Mohammedan (2020–2024)

bar:13 color:Other from:2024 till:end text: ISL

bar:14 color:Other from:2007 till:2008 text: IL-2

bar:14 color:Former from:2008 till:2009 text: [(v)]

bar:14 color:Other from:2009 till:2010 text: IL-2

bar:14 color:Other from:2010 till:end text: Goa Pro League •(v) Vasco (2008-2009)

bar:15 color:Other from:2007 till:2009 text: IL-2

bar:15 color:Former from:2009 till:2015 text: Pune (2009-15)

bar:16 color:Other from:2008 till:2009 text: IL-2

bar:16 color:Full from:2009 till:2019 text: Shillong Lajong (2009-2019)

bar:16 color:Full from:2023 till:end text: Shillong Lajong (2023–present)

bar:16 color:Other from:2019 till:2022 text: Shillong Premier League

bar:16 color:Other from:2022 till:2023 text: IL-2

bar:17 color:Former from:2010 till:2013 text:AIFF XI/Pailan Arrows (2010-2013)

bar:17 color:Former from:2017 till:2022 text: Indian Arrows (2017-2022)

bar:18 color:Former from:2010 till:2013 text: ONGC (2010-2013)

bar:18 color:Other from:2007 till:2010 text: IL-2

bar:19 color:Other from:2007 till:2008 text: IL-2

bar:19 color:Other from:2009 till:2010 text: IL-2

bar:19 color:Former from:2010 till:2012 text: HAL (2010-2012)

bar:19 color:Other from:2012 till:end text: Bangalore Super Division

bar:20 color:Former from:2012 till:2013 text: [(vi)]

bar:20 color:Other from:2010 till:2012 text: IL-2

bar:20 color:Other from:2013 till:2014 text: IL-2

bar:20 color:Other from:2014 till:end text: Sikkim Premier League •(vi) United Sikkim (2012-2013)

bar:21 color:Other from:2017 till:end text: ISL

bar:21 color: Former from:2013 till:2017 text: Bengaluru (2013-2017)

bar:22 color:Other from:2009 till:2013 text: IL-2

bar:22 color:Former from:2013 till:2014 text: [(vii)]

bar:22 color:Other from:2014 till:end text: Shillong Premier League •(vii) Rangdajied United (2013-2014)

bar:23 color:Former from:2014 till:2015 text: Royal Wahingdoh (2014-2015)

bar:23 color:Other from:2010 till:2014 text: IL-2

bar:24 color:Former from:2014 till:2015 text: Bharat (2014-2015)

bar:25 color:Other from:2007 till:2011 text: Mizoram Premier League

bar:25 color:Other from:2011 till:2015 text: IL-2

bar:25 color:Full from:2015 till:end text: Aizawl (2015–present)

bar:26 color:Former from:2015 till:2017 text: DSK Shivajians (2015-2017)

bar:26 color:Other from:2007 till:2013 text: Pune Football League

bar:26 color:Other from:2012 till:2013 text: IL-2

bar:27 color:Other from:2015 till:2016 text: IL-2

bar:27 color:Former from:2016 till:2020 text: Minerva Punjab (2016-2020)

bar:27 color:Former from:2020 till:2023 text: RoundGlass Punjab (2020-2023)

bar:27 color:Other from:2023 till:end text: ISL

bar:28 color:Former from:2016 till:2021 text: Chennai City (2016-2021)

bar:29 color:Full from:2017 till:end text: Gokulam (2017–present)

bar:30 color:Other from:2015 till:2017 text: IL-2

bar:30 color:Former from:2017 till:2024 text: NEROCA (2017–2024)

bar:30 color:Other from:2024 till:end text: IL-2

bar:31 color:Full from:2018 till:end text: Real Kashmir (2018–present)

bar:31 color:Other from:2016 till:2018 text: IL-2

bar:32 color:Other from:2017 till:2019 text: IL-2

bar:32 color:Former from:2019 till:2024 text: TRAU (2019–2024)

bar:32 color:Other from:2024 till:end text: IL-2

bar:33 color:Other from:2007 till:2020 text: Delhi Football League

bar:33 color:Former from:2020 till:2023 text: Sudeva Delhi (2020-2023)

bar:33 color:Other from:2023 till:end text: IL-2

bar:34 color:Full from:2021 till:end text: Sreenidi Deccan (2021–present)

bar:35 color:Full from:2021 till:end text: Rajasthan United (2021–present)

bar:35 color:Other from:2020 till:2021 text: IL-2

bar:36 color:Former from:2021 till:2023 text: Kenkre (2021-2023)

bar:36 color:Other from:2023 till:2024 text: IL-2

bar:36 color:Other from:2024 till:end text: IL-3

bar:36 color:Other from:2010 till:2017 text: IL-2

bar:36 color:Other from:2017 till:2021 text: Mumbai Football League

bar:36 color:Other from:2020 till:2021 text: IL-2

bar:37 color:Other from:2007 till:2020 text: Delhi Football League

bar:37 color:Other from:2020 till:2023 text: IL-2

bar:37 color:Former from:2023 till:2025 text: Delhi (2023–2025)

bar:37 color:Other from:2025 till:end text: IL-2

bar:38 color:Full from:2023 till:end text: Inter Kashi (2023–present)

bar:39 color:Full from:2023 till:end text: Namdhari (2023–present)

bar:40 color:Other from:2023 till:2024 text: IL-3 IL-2

bar:40 color:Full from:2024 till:2025 text: Sporting Bengaluru (2024-2025)

bar:40 color:Other from:2025 till:end text: IL-2

bar:41 color:Other from:2022 till:2024 text: CFL

bar:41 color:Other from:2024 till:2025 text: IL-3 IL-2

bar:41 color:Full from:2025 till:end text: Diamond Harbour (2025-present)

bar:42 color:Other from:2007 till:2015 text: Mizoram Premier League

bar:42 color:Other from:2015 till:2016 text: IL-2

bar:42 color:Other from:2016 till:2025 text: Mizoram Premier League

bar:42 color:Full from:2025 till:end text: Chanmari (2025-present)

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Since the original National Football League, the Indian league has always been sponsored. When the I-League began in 2007 the last sponsor from the old National Football League, ONGC, were brought in as the sponsors, making the league be known as the ONGC I-League.{{cite web |last1=Bali |first1=Rahul |title=ONGC Agrees To Sponsor The I-League |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2009/08/26/1461617/ongc-agrees-to-sponsor-the-i-league |website=Goal.com |access-date=9 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302021032/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2009/08/26/1461617/ongc-agrees-to-sponsor-the-i-league |archive-date=2 March 2015 |url-status=live }} However, after the 2010–11 season, the deal with ONGC was not renewed and the I-League was left without a sponsorship deal till 2013.{{cite web |last1=Santikari |first1=Soumalya |title=All India Football Federation wants to jazz up I-League from next season |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aiff-wants-to-jazz-up-i-league-from-next-season/1/169948.html |website=India Today |date=21 January 2012 |access-date=9 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716204406/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aiff-wants-to-jazz-up-i-league-from-next-season/1/169948.html |archive-date=16 July 2014 |url-status=live }} On 24 September 2013, it was announced that telecommunications company, Airtel would be the new title sponsor of the I-League, thus making the league known as the Airtel I-League.{{cite web |title=AIFF signs up Airtel for new I-League season |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/4630/soccerex/2013/09/24/4285010/aiff-signs-up-airtel-for-new-i-league-season |website=Goal.com |access-date=9 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302021028/http://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/4630/soccerex/2013/09/24/4285010/aiff-signs-up-airtel-for-new-i-league-season |archive-date=2 March 2015 |url-status=live }} In December 2014, it was announced that Hero MotoCorp would replace Airtel as the title sponsor for the league and hence the league would be known has Hero I-League.{{cite web |url=http://i-league.org/hero-i-leagues-1st-kolkata-derby-on-jan-25/ |title=Hero I-League's 1st Kolkata Derby on Jan 25 |date=28 December 2014 |access-date=28 December 2014 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217162300/http://i-league.org/hero-i-leagues-1st-kolkata-derby-on-jan-25/ |url-status=live }}

The league is currently without a title sponsor, as Hero decided not to renew its sponsorship deal with Indian football after 2022–23 season.{{cite web |url= https://khelnow.com/football/2023-09-indian-football-hero-motocorp-pull-out-sponsorship|title=Hero MotoCorp pulls out of ISL & Indian football sponsorship |date=12 September 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023|website= Khelnow.com}}

The role of the head coach in the I-League varies from club to club. Some like to appoint technical or sporting directors as well as manager-style coaches.{{cite web |title=AIFF is set to act strict |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140509/jsp/sports/story_18323654.jsp#.U7BZY41dUU8 |website=Telegraph India |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613073330/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140509/jsp/sports/story_18323654.jsp#.U7BZY41dUU8 |archive-date=13 June 2014 |url-status=dead }} The All India Football Federation does impose licensing requirements for head coaches in the I-League, the rule being that the head coach must have an AFC Professional Coaching Diploma in order to coach in the I-League. However, some clubs and coaches like Subhash Bhowmick, Subrata Bhattacharya, Sukhwinder Singh and Bimal Ghosh were known for accepting a technical director role in order to bypass the head coaching requirements. This has bought about a lot of controversial news, most recently being when Churchill Brothers won the I-League after the 2012–13 season with Subhash Bhowmick not winning the "Coach of the Year" award, due to being listed as the technical director.

Seeing this, the AIFF technical director, Rob Baan, as well as others, advocated that the federation make it mandatory for both technical directors and head coaches to have an AFC Pro-Diploma. On 14 May 2014 this was officially put into act by the AIFF during their I-League licensing committee meeting.{{cite news |title=A-Licence degree must for technical directors: AIFF |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/A-Licence-degree-must-for-technical-directors-AIFF/articleshow/35120576.cms |website=Times of India |date=14 May 2014 |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920154535/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/A-Licence-degree-must-for-technical-directors-AIFF/articleshow/35120576.cms |archive-date=20 September 2014 |url-status=live }}

In terms of coaching performance, after the first seven seasons of the I-League, an Indian head coach has won the I-League four times while a foreign head coach has won it three times. Zoran Đorđević of Serbia was the first foreign head coach to win the I-League.{{cite web |title=I-League: Don't Let The Players Go – Zoran Djordjevic |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2009/04/20/1218789/i-league-dont-let-the-players-go-zoran-djordjevic |website=Goal.com |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303103933/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2009/04/20/1218789/i-league-dont-let-the-players-go-zoran-djordjevic |archive-date=3 March 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=AIFF suspends Ashley Bengaluru FC coach banned for 4 matches and fined Rs 50,000 |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140424/jsp/sports/story_18273052.jsp#.U7BggI1dUU8 |website=Telegraph India |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605151614/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140424/jsp/sports/story_18273052.jsp#.U7BggI1dUU8 |archive-date=5 June 2014 |url-status=dead }} Italian coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese became the first coach to win back-to-back I-League titles in 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons.

Armando Colaco was the first Indian coach to win the I-League in the league's opening season and he has the most I-League championships at three.{{cite web |last1=Majumdar |first1=Samya |title=East Bengal Should Continue With Armando Colaco Next Season |url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2014/east-bengal-should-continue-with-armando-colaco-next-season/ |website=The Hard Tackle |date=15 April 2014 |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723035711/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2014/east-bengal-should-continue-with-armando-colaco-next-season/ |archive-date=23 July 2014 |url-status=live }} Khogen Singh is the latest Indian coach to win the I-League in 2017–18 season.{{cite web |last1=Bhutani |first1=Rahul |title=Churchill Brothers – Defending I-League Champions Stare At A Possible Relegation |url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2014/churchill-brothers-defending-i-league-champions-stare-at-a-possible-relegation/ |website=The Hard Tackle |date=16 April 2014 |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722210416/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2014/churchill-brothers-defending-i-league-champions-stare-at-a-possible-relegation/ |archive-date=22 July 2014 |url-status=live }}

File:Zico.jpg was the longest serving and most successful manager in the history of the I League.|alt=The torso and head of a grey-haired white man in a football stadium. He is wearing spectacles and a black coat.|220x220px]]

{{Further-text|Indian football champions}}

;Notes:

{{Notelist|refs=

{{efn|name=fn1|Matches after 14th March 2020 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mohun Bagan were declared the champions having enough point difference between the second-placed club.{{cite news |last1=Sharma|first1=Amitabha Das|title=No relegation, no individual prize money in I-League 2019-20 |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/i-league-2019-20-cancelled-aiff-approval-mohun-bagan-east-bengal-gokulam-kerala-relagtion-indian-football-news-covid-19-coronavirus/article31394211.ece |access-date=9 June 2020 |work=Sportstar |publisher=The Hindu |date=21 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627195952/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/i-league-2019-20-cancelled-aiff-approval-mohun-bagan-east-bengal-gokulam-kerala-relagtion-indian-football-news-covid-19-coronavirus/article31394211.ece|archive-date=27 June 2020|url-status=live}}}}

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{{Main|I-League Golden Boot}}

Season after season, players in the I-League compete for the golden boot title, which is awarded at the end of each season to the top scorer throughout the entire season. The most recent winner of the golden boot is Bidyashagar Singh, who won the golden boot at the end of the 2020–21 season after scoring 12 goals. Ranti Martins is both currently the holders of the most golden boot titles with five golden boots. Along with Odafa Onyeka Okolie, the two Nigerians make up the eight golden boots won by Nigerians, the most of any nationality in the league.

{{Notelist|refs=

{{efn|name=fn1|Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the league was suspended after 14 March 2020. Only champions were awarded and remaining prize money in the league was equally divided among the remaining participating clubs and no individual prize money was also not awarded. However, Aser Pierrick Dipanda of Minerva Punjab scored the highest number of goals, having scored 12 goals in 15 matches; whereas, Rochharzela of Aizawl scored 6 goals in 15 matches, highest among Indians.{{cite news |title=Indian I-League Scoring Stats - 2019-20 |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/IND.2/indian-i-league |access-date=27 June 2020 |work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627201933/https://www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/IND.2/indian-i-league|archive-date=27 June 2020|url-status=live}} }}

}}

The I-League has only been awarding a proper trophy to the champion since 2013 when the 2012–13 season champions, Churchill Brothers, won the league.{{cite news |title=AIFF designs new trophy for I-League champions |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/AIFF-designs-new-trophy-for-I-League-champions/articleshow/19912694.cms |website=Times of India |date=6 May 2013 |access-date=8 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920154539/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/AIFF-designs-new-trophy-for-I-League-champions/articleshow/19912694.cms |archive-date=20 September 2014 |url-status=live }} Before 2013 the I-League champions received a basic trophy. The new trophy was designed in Europe and is modeled along the lines of the champion trophies in the top European leagues. Regarding the trophy, the AIFF general secretary, Kushal Das, said: "It is the endeavour of AIFF to practice the best principles of other leagues and accordingly we thought to create a more contemporary look to the I-League trophy in line with trophies given in European leagues".

End of the season I-League awards were previously conducted by the Football Players' Association of India and All India Football Federation since 2008–09 season. Currently the awards include the Hero of the league, the golden boot, the golden glove, the best head coach (Syed Abdul Rahim Award), the best defender (Jarnail Singh Award), the best midfielder and the emerging player of the league, all of which are sponsored by Hero.

{{Main|Indian football clubs in Asian competition}}

Traditionally, I-League clubs have done particularly well in the AFC Cup. In 2008 Dempo managed to reach the semi-finals of the AFC Cup before being defeated by Al-Safa of Lebanon.{{cite web |title=East Bengal's Golden Continental Run |url=http://www.goaldentimes.org/east-bengals-golden-continental-run/ |website=Goalden Times |date=30 September 2013 |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007104640/http://www.goaldentimes.org/east-bengals-golden-continental-run/ |archive-date=7 October 2015 |url-status=live }} East Bengal also managed to reach the semi-finals in 2013 before being knocked-out by Al-Kuwait.{{cite web |title=Kuwait SC prove too good for East Bengal in AFC Cup SF |url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/kuwait-sc-prove-too-good-for-east-bengal-in-afc-cup-semi-final/20131022.htm |website=Rediff |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717193012/http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/kuwait-sc-prove-too-good-for-east-bengal-in-afc-cup-semi-final/20131022.htm |archive-date=17 July 2014 |url-status=live }} Bengaluru is the only I-League club to reach the AFC Cup Final in 2016 but lost to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya of Iraq.{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Bengaluru-FC-first-Indian-club-to-reach-AFC-Cup-final/articleshow/54942481.cms |title=Bengaluru FC first Indian club to reach AFC Cup final |work=The Times of India |date=19 October 2016 |agency=PTI |access-date=25 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023232505/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/bengaluru-fc-first-indian-club-to-reach-afc-cup-final/articleshow/54942481.cms |archive-date=23 October 2016 |url-status=live }}

However, in the AFC Champions League, no I-League club has ever managed to make it past the qualifiers.{{cite web |title=Bengaluru FC set sight on AFC Champions League qualification |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/223401-bengaluru-fc-set-sight-on-afc-champions-league-qualification |website=NDTV Sports |access-date=7 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716222744/http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/223401-bengaluru-fc-set-sight-on-afc-champions-league-qualification |archive-date=16 July 2014 |url-status=dead }}

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{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{official website}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170629213824/http://www.kolkatasports.com/ileague-2015-fixture.php "iLeague Fixtures"] – League Winner (archived 29 June 2017). Retrieved on 31 May 2015.

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