In a shocking turn of events, the I-League championship.html">championship era has come to an end. The 2020-21 season was the last for the top-tier professional football league in India, which had been the premier competition since its inception in 2008.
The decision to scrap the I-League was made by the Indian Football Association (IFA), the governing body of Indian football, citing a lack of sponsors.html">sponsorship and financial backing. The IFA instead opted to launch a new professional league, the Indian Super League (ISL), which has become the premier competition in Indian football.
The I-League had struggled to attract top talent and was often criticized for its poor quality of play and lack of competitiveness. Despite this, it still held a special place in the hearts of many Indian football fans who had grown up watching the league.
While some have expressed disappointment at the end of the I-League era, others see it as an opportunity for Indian football to move forward and compete with the best leagues in Asia. The ISL has already shown signs of improvement, attracting top players.html">players from around the world and offering a more competitive platform for Indian clubs.
As the curtains close on the I-League, fans can look back on some memorable moments, including the dominance of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, as well as the emergence of new talent. While the end of an era is always bittersweet, it''s clear that Indian football is on the cusp of something special.