Friday , March 29 2024

Can the AIFF complete the 2019/20 Indian football season or not?

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Indian football are as affected by the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as most of the federations, leagues and competitions around the world.

While the 2019/20 Indian Super League could finish its competition with ATK lifting the ISL-6 title in a final without spectators on March 14 in Goa, the I-League and Second Division League are still unfinished and with the lockdown in India it is unclear if the two leagues can play their pending matches or not.

While the 2019/20 I-League has already found their champions in league leaders Mohun Bagan, the fight is still on for the second place which would mean an AFC Cup spot and also on is battle to avoid relegation.

The 2019/20 Second Division League is still in the preliminary stage with matches to be played and the final stage not even decided.

Both the I-League and Second Division have a problem that a lot of contracts end on April 30 while the 2019/20 season ends on May 31 and it is clear that both leagues will not end on April 30 if play is restarted and even May 31 looks difficult at this stage.

The AIFF is looking at different models on ending, suspending or cancelling the respective leagues. While the I-League could be ended without being finished that would mean that Mohun Bagan are champions and there is no relegation with the AFC Cup spot for the I-League to be decided by the federation.

Finishing the Second Division League is a bigger priority for the AIFF as the champions of the league gain promotion to the I-League. The clubs after their respective local leagues have prepared and spend money to put a strong squad together for the Second Division League, but extending contracts would surely be an issue.

With FIFA allowing extension of the 2019/20 season beyond the usual June 30 deadline with India finishing on May 31 that could also be an option to get the season ended in June or July.

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting India, the lockdown needs to end first and only thereafter the AIFF can make concrete plans on if and how to end the I-League and Second Division League.

Stay Safe, wherever you are in the world!

About Arunava Chaudhuri

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