Archive · 28 May 2025
AIFF Halts I-League Relegation Amidst Protests
The teams Delhi FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru were supposed to be kicked out of the I-League.
They complained about it.
One team said an opposing team used a player that wasn't allowed.
The other team said that AIFF was not fair and consistent with its rules.
The AIFF has decided to wait and listen to both sides before making a final decision about who gets relegated.
Aizawl FC, which is right above the relegation zone, can also join in the discussion.
This is similar to how the AIFF handled a title dispute between two teams, which is making things complicated.
AIFF's Appeals Committee paused relegation for Delhi FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru.
Both clubs are challenging their relegation from the I-League.
Sporting Club Bengaluru cited an ineligible player in a match.
Delhi FC questioned the AIFF's application of relegation rules.
A final decision is expected later this week in Delhi.
- Who
- AIFF, Delhi FC, Sporting Club Bengaluru, Aizawl FC.
- What
- AIFF has put the relegation of two I-League clubs on hold.
- When
- The decision was made after the end of the 2024-25 I-League season.
- Where
- I-League, India.
- Why
- Due to protests from Delhi FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru, questioning the relegation decisions.
Delhi FC/Sporting Club Bengaluru
AIFF
Legitimacy of Relegation
Delhi FC/Sporting Club Bengaluru
AIFF's handling of the relegation decision and application of rules.
AIFF
AIFF's disciplinary wing did not adequately address Namdhari FC fielding an ineligible player.
Procedural Safeguards
Delhi FC/Sporting Club Bengaluru
AIFF's swift decision-making process regarding relegation.
AIFF
Relegation carries adverse consequences and cannot be imposed without robust procedural safeguards.
Inconsistency in Rule Application
Delhi FC/Sporting Club Bengaluru
The current relegation decision and the lack of similar waivers in the past.
AIFF
Relegation rules should be applied consistently.
- Teams Involved
- Delhi FC, Sporting Club Bengaluru, Aizawl FC
- Governing Body
- AIFF (All India Football Federation)
- Committee in Charge
- AIFF Appeals Committee
- Reason for Delay
- Challenges to relegation decisions by Delhi FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru
- Key Issue
- Ineligible player by Namdhari FC in a match
- Location of Final Decision
- AIFF headquarters in Delhi