Is the I-League heading for changes amongst participants?

To me the ongoing I-League standard-wise is one of the best since the National Football League/I-League was started in late-1996, but several changes are set to happen ahead of the upcoming season and the years to come which is not to the liking of everyone.Over the coming years the I-League is set to grow to 16 teams, maybe even 18 or 20 teams in the future, but the 2013/14 season currently looks like it would continue to be a 14 team affair but the composition of the I-League could change with up to three teams facing being out of next years edition.

First the issue of Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC after the derby fiasco on December 9 is set to be decided by the AIFF’s Executive Committee tomorrow in New Delhi. Currently the former NFL champions are suspended for this season and the following two seasons with only a 2nd Division return thereafter. The green-and-maroon are hoping for leniency from the parent though it looks likely that next season they would at least have to play in the 2nd Division.

Then there is the case of Air India and ONGC, who both are Public Sector Units (PSUs) and have even missed the latest deadline of December 31, 2012 to turn themselves into private legal entities as per AFC Club Licencing criteria. Both have asked for more time, but after numerous extensions the AIFF might act tough this time around and relegate them into the 2nd Division.

If both the above cases happen, then the I-League would lose three teams and with only two teams set to gain promotion from the 2nd Division, a slot opens-up for a possible new entry.

And the AIFF and I-League are considering inducting a new corporate club with long-term written commitment towards football outside of Kolkata and Goa, who both have four teams in the I-League each. Options would be Mumbai (if Air India and ONGC are relegated) besides Delhi and Bangalore.

A top candidate for such a spot would be high spending Dodsal FC of the Dubai-based Dodsal group, who under experienced coach Bimal Ghosh has put together a formidable squad and have made Mumbai their base. But there are said to be other contenders for such a direct spot in the I-League too.