MUMBAI: The All India Football Federation, which has picked Kolkata as the centralized venue for the Hero I-League and Hero 2nd Division League this season, is reportedly aiming to start the final round of the 2nd Division League around 15th September, and get it done by the 1st week of November.
The I-League is expected to begin from the last week of November or the first week of December. The league season is expected to run just over three months and the AIFF is contemplating a change in the league’s format to fit it within that time frame. Twelve clubs are expected to take part in the I-League this season.
The tentative duration of the 2nd Division League has been put at 15 days, which leaves enough room for alterations to the schedule, IF the COVID-19 situation in the country dictates so (which looks likely). Should the situation so demand, the start can be delayed until early October, The Fan Garage reports.
Eight clubs from across the country, including Mohammedan Sporting, Bhawanipore FC, ARA FC, FC Kerala, Bengaluru United, Rajasthan FC, Garwhal FC and Lonestar Kashmir have won their way into this round from the preliminary stage. They have been split into two groups, from where the top four will progress to playoffs. The champions of the season will progress straight to the I-League 2020-21 season.
According to the website, Mohammedan, ARA, Bengaluru United and Garwhal FC have been pinned as the principal contenders for promotion to the I-League.
Indian football fans have not seen any action take place since March 14th, after which the I-League matches could not be played due to COVID-19. The long gap is finally about to end after 6 months with national football action about to get back underway.
